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Sacred Heart SchoolsParent • StudentHandbook2010-2011Lower & Middle Schools

ABOUT SACRED HEART SCHOOLS, ATHERTONFounded in 1898 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ), Sacred HeartSchools, Atherton (SHS), is a Roman Catholic, independent, coeducationalschool for students in preschool through grade 12. Our beautiful, historic63-acre campus includes state-of-the-art facilities designed to provide anexceptional environment for learning inside and outside the classroom. Thecampus includes Preschool and Kindergarten, Lower School (grades 1-5),Middle School (grades 6-8), and Preparatory (grades 9-12). Our mission is toeducate the whole child who loves God and serves others.EMILIE AVENUEAs a member of the worldwide Network of Sacred Heart Schools, we are guidedby the Goals and Criteria of a Sacred Heart School and committed to educateeach student to:A personal and active faith in God;A deep respect for intellectual values;A social awareness which impels to action;The building of community as a Christian value;Personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom.NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICYSacred Heart Schools (SHS) admits students of any race, color, national andethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generallyaccorded or made available to students at the Schools. SHS does notdiscriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, or sexualorientation in administration of their educational policies, admissions policies,scholarship and loan payments, athletic and other school-administeredprograms.PARK AVENUEVALPARAISO AVENUESacred Heart Schools, Atherton reserves the right to amend this handbookat any time. Parents will be notified of any changes.ELENA AVENUEAs of June 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTSHISTORY .......................................................................................................4GOALS AND CRITERIA OF A SACRED HEART SCHOOL ...................5THE NETWORK OF SACRED HEART SCHOOLS ..................................7SACRED HEART TRADITIONS .................................................................7CODE OF CONDUCT ..............................................................................10SACRED HEART SCHOOLS STATEMENT ON EQUITY, JUSTICEAND MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION ...................................................11ADMINISTRATION ...................................................................................12EMERGENCY/DISASTER INFORMATION .............................................13GENERAL INFORMATION ......................................................................14Daily ScheduleExtended CareParking LotsAttendanceAbsences Rules and ProceduresHealthHead LiceCafeteriaBicyclesBringing Things to SchoolSchool UniformLock, Lockers, Gym BasketsLost and FoundVisitors on CampusCOMMUNICATION...................................................................................23Weekly BulletinMailingsParent ConferencesParent AbsencesRELIGION ..................................................................................................23Core ProgramSpecial EventsReconciliation and First EucharistACADEMICS ................................................................................................24PhilosophyBooks and SuppliesTesting and AssessmentMid-Trimester Reports1

Report CardsATHLETIC HANDBOOK FOR GRADES 4-8 ...........................................46GradingPolicyGrade Point Averages (GPA)Team Sports & Additional ActivitiesHonor RollLevel of CompetitionGraduation RequirementsTeam SelectionGraduation with HonorsGames and PracticesCalifornia Junior Scholarship Federation (CJSF)CommitmentForeign LanguagePlayer ConductHomeworkParent ConductLearning Center/Lucas Family LibraryBooster ClubPositive Coaching AllianceGeneral TutoringTransportationLearning Services ProgramUniformsAcademic Review and Academic Probation (Grades 1-5, 6-8)Web SiteAcademic Honor CodeAwardsBEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS AND DISCIPLINE ...............................33CoachesPhilosophySHS Athletic RulesJuristiction of the SchoolAthletic DirectorsRoles of Parents and AdministrationBehavioral ExpectationsDisciplinary ConsequencesExplanation of ConsequencesENRICHMENT AND OTHER ACTIVITIES ............................................37SportsFine ArtsElectivesStudent CouncilField TripsDances and Fun NightsEnd of the Year ActivitiesBirthdays at SchoolParties Off-CampusCOMPUTERS ..............................................................................................41General InformationComputer and Internet Use StandardsADDITIONAL POLICIES ...........................................................................43Policy on Mandatory Child Abuse ReportingPolicy on Persons with DisabilitiesPolicy Against HarassmentPolicy Regarding ConfidentialityMedia PolicyAuthorization of Publication of Photographs2 3

HISTORYSacred Heart Schools (SHS), Atherton traces its heritage back to the year 1800in France when St. Madeleine Sophie Barat founded the Society of the SacredHeart of Jesus, an international community of women in the Catholic Churchwho were educators, also known as the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus(RSCJ). Originally educating only girls, the RSCJ soon established schoolsfor boys and girls throughout Europe. St. Philippine Duchesne, brought theSociety to North America in 1818, where she founded the first Sacred Heartschool in the U.S. in St. Charles, Missouri.The RSCJ came to Menlo Park in 1898 and founded a boarding school for girls,Academy of the Sacred Heart, Menlo, formerly known as “Menlo,” on 40-acresof land purchased from the Atherton family, in what is now the Main Building.Shortly after that in 1904, Mrs. Emilie Donohoe gave 5+ acres to the RSCJ toestablish a separate free elementary school expressly for the village children ofMenlo Park. The school was named St. Joseph’s after her late husband, Joseph,and the street on which it fronted became Emilie Avenue in honor of her. Itopened in 1906 with 74 boys and girls. Just as the Academy was beginningto grow, the 1906 San Francisco earthquake struck and St. Joseph’s became arefuge for the Academy students until the Main Building could be used againfor classes and residence. During the next nine years, renovations were madeto the Main Building, which included the addition of a large Porte Cochere, anew chapel, two spacious parlors and new classrooms and dormitories for thegrowing school. A third floor with a Mansard roof was added, and a lofty belltower became, what is still today, the symbol of the campus.Sacred Heart’s preschool and kindergarten adopted the Montessori philosophyand teaching methods into their classrooms in 1968. In 1969, Sacred HeartElementary was merged with St. Joseph’s School to form one elementaryschool at St. Joseph’s where the name was kept by popular demand. In 1984,the boarding program closed, boys were admitted to the high school for thefirst time, and Academy of the Sacred Heart was changed to Sacred HeartPreparatory.Today, Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton, consists of four divisions that includePreschool/Kindergarten, Lower School (grades 1-5), Middle School (grades6-8), and Preparatory (grades 9-12). The schools are day only and fullycoeducational with the largest enrollment in its history. After more than acentury, we still continue the Sacred Heart traditions of academic excellenceand Christian values.GOALS AND CRITERIA OF SACRED HEART SCHOOLSGOAL ISchools of the Sacred Heart commit themselves to educate to a personaland active faith in God.1. Rooted in the love of Jesus Christ, the school promotes a personalrelationship with God and fosters the spiritual lives of its members.2. The school seeks to form its students in the attitudes of the heart of Jesusexpressed in respect, compassion, forgiveness and generosity.3. The entire school program explores one’s relationship to God, to self, toothers, and to all creation.4. Opening themselves to the transforming power of the Spirit of God,members of the school community engage in personal and communal prayer,reflection and action.5. The entire school program affirms that there is meaning and value in life andfosters a sense of hope in the individual and in the school community.6. The school fosters inter-religious acceptance and dialogue by educating to anunderstanding of deep respect for the religions of the world.7. The school presents itself to the wider community as a Christ-centeredinstitution and as an expression of the mission of the Society of the SacredHeart.GOAL IISchools of the Sacred Heart commit themselves to educate to a deeprespect for intellectual values.1. The school develops and implements a curriculum based on the Goals andCriteria, educational research, and ongoing evaluation.2. The school provides a rigorous education that incorporates all forms ofcritical thinking and inspires a life-long love of learning.3. The school program develops aesthetic values and the creative use of theimagination.4. The faculty utilizes a variety of teaching and learning strategies thatrecognizes the individual needs of the students.5. The school provides ongoing professional development for faculty and staff.6. Members of the school community model and teach ethical and respectfuluse of technology.GOAL IIISchools of the Sacred Heart commit themselves to educate to a socialawareness that impels to action.1. The school educates to a critical consciousness that leads its total communityto analyze and reflect on the values of society and to act for justice.4 5

2. The school offers all its members opportunities for direct service andadvocacy and instills a life-long commitment to service.3. The school is linked in a reciprocal manner with ministries among peoplewho are poor, marginalized and suffering from injustice.4. In our multicultural world, the school prepares and inspires students to beactive, informed, and responsible citizens locally, nationally, and globally.5. The school teaches respect for creation and prepares students to be stewardsof the earth’s resources.GOAL IVSchools of the Sacred Heart commit themselves to educate to thebuilding of community as a Christian value.1. The school implements an ongoing plan for educating both adults andstudents in the heritage and mission of Sacred Heart education.2. The school promotes a safe and welcoming environment in which eachperson is valued, cared for and respected.3. Adult members of the school model and teach skills needed to buildcommunity and practice clear, direct and open communication.4. The school has programs that teach the principles of nonviolence, conflictresolution and peacemaking.5. The school makes a deliberate effort to recruit students and employ facultyand staff of diverse races, ethnicities and backgrounds.6. The financial aid program effectively supports socioeconomic diversity.7. The school participates actively in the national and international network ofSacred Heart Schools.THE NETWORK OF SACRED HEART SCHOOLSThe Network of Sacred Heart Schools is composed of twenty-one independenteducational institutions historically interrelated and committed to the visionarticulated in the Goals and Criteria. The purpose of the Network is to provideeducation, services, and programs to further Sacred Heart education in theUnited States. An independent Board of Trustees governs each memberinstitution in the Network of Sacred Heart Schools. Membership in theNetwork is dependent upon commitment to the philosophy of and formalaccountability to the Society of the Sacred Heart. This relationship of memberschools to the Society of the Sacred Heart is monitored by a specific SacredHeart system of institutional evaluation.For more information about the Network and a directory of the Sacred HeartSchools throughout the U.S. and the world, go to www.sofie.org.SACRED HEART TRADITIONSSacred Heart Feast DaysOctober 20 Feast of Mater (Mater Admirabilis)November 18 Feast of St. Rose Philippine DuchesneMay 25 Feast of St. Madeleine Sophie BaratGOAL VSchools of the Sacred Heart commit themselves to educate to personalgrowth in an atmosphere of wise freedom.1. All members of the school community show respect, acceptance and concernfor themselves and for others.2. School policies and practices promote self-discipline, responsible decisionmaking,and accountability.3. Students grow in self-knowledge and develop self-confidence as they learn todeal realistically with their gifts and limitations.4. School programs provide for the recognizing, nurturing and exercising ofleadership in its many forms.Mater5. The school provides opportunities for all members of the community toIn 1844, a generation after the Society of the Sacred Heart was founded,share their knowledge and gifts with others.Pauline Perdrau, a young novice, took it upon herself to produce a fresco of6. All members of the school community take personal responsibility forthe Virgin Mary on a wall in a recreational area of the convent Trinita deibalance in their lives and for their health and well-being.Monti in Rome. As a child, Pauline had a favorite pink dress, so she chose topaint Mary as a young woman in a rose-colored dress rather than as a matronlyMadonna in blue. The lily at Mary’s side represented her purity; the distaff andthe spindle, her love of work; a book, her dedication to study. Unfortunately,6 7

although Pauline put herself wholeheartedly into her task, her inexperiencewith the technique of fresco did not produce the beautiful soft painting forwhich she had hoped. The too vivid colors had to be hidden behind a drape.Pope Pius IX, upon visiting the convent, requested that the curtain be removed.Seeing the fresco of Our Lady, its colors inexplicably softened, he exclaimed,“Mater Admirabilis!” (Latin for “Mother Most Admirable”). Miracles soonbegan with the cure of a missionary priest who had completely lost the power ofspeech. Permission was given to offer mass before the miraculous picture and tocelebrate the feast of Mater Admirabilis on October 20.ReligiousThe use of the term Religious in reference to the nuns who serve in the schoolsof the Society of the Sacred Heart. In professing the religious life of the vows,sisters of the Society of the Sacred Heart often sign their names followed byRSCJ, which is derived from the French Religieuse du Sacre Coeur de Jesus.During the 19th century, “Madame” was used as a term of address for theReligious of the Sacred Heart because the Society had come into existenceshortly after the French Revolution when it was not always possible to obtainrecognition under a specifically religious name. Since then, “Madame” and later“Mother” were dropped in favor of Sister followed by the last name.Prize DaySometimes referred to simply as “Prizes,” Prize Day brings a formal end to theschool year in some Sacred Heart schools. Students are recognized for theiraccomplishment throughout the school year. The school community comestogether for a formal assembly to distribute the prizes. In former days, theprizes usually consisted of books; today the prize will often be a certificate oraward recognizing achievements. From the youngest to the oldest, the studentsare taught to accept awards graciously and to applaud the skills and talents ofothers.RibbonsRibbons, worn diagonally from a student’s right shoulder and fastened on theleft at the waist, have long been marks of distinction in Sacred Heart Schools,recognizing students who truly embody the Goals and Criteria. Today, BlueRibbons are awarded to seniors at graduation and considered the highest honora graduate may receive.item for traveling alums, providing a means of introduction in the thirtyninecountries where the Society of the Sacred Heart currently serves. TheInternational Directory is usually given at the end of the year to graduatingseniors.Congé“It’s a Congé!” This announcement is recognized by students at Sacred HeartSchools as a signal that a day is here when they take leave of their regular studiesand channel all energy into having fun. Congés come when they are leastexpected, since the planning for them is done in secret. Originally, the activitiesand games included those such as cache-cache, which is a form of hide-andseek.Activities were planned by the Religious for the students at the boardingschools. The tradition has carried over to many Sacred Heart schools of today.GoûterGoûter (French for ‘to taste’) is a long-standing tradition in Sacred Heartschools. In the days of the boarding schools, when it was common for classesto meet until 5:00 p.m. in the evening, it was necessary to provide the studentswith a mid-afternoon snack, and a little goûter would be provided. Today thetradition continues, as goûter is often a part of special school celebrations.Coeur de JesusCoeur de Jesus, sauvez le monde;Que l’univers Vous soit soumis,En Vous seul notre espoir se fonde.Seigneur, Vous nous l’avez promis.Vous l’avez dit: Votre promesseFait notre espoir, notre bonheur.“Je Benirai dans ma tendresseLes enfants de mon Sacré Coeur.”Coeur de Jesus: Literal TranslationHeart of Jesus, save the world,That the universe might be subjected to you,might be subjected to you.In you alone, our hope is found,Lord, Lord, you have promised it to us.International DirectoryYou have spoken your promise,A small booklet containing the names, addresses and phone numbers of SacredWhich has become our hope, our happiness:Heart schools throughout the world, the International Directory, is a helpful“I will bless, in my tenderness,The children of my Sacred Heart.”8 9

Coeur de Jesus: Singing TranslationHeart of the Savior, save creationThat all the world may bend the knee, may bend the kneeYou are our hope and our salvation,Dear Lord, we trust the word You decree.Spoken to us, your promise tenderFaith, hope, and love, take up your part.“My ev’ry blessing will I renderThe children of my Sacred Heart.”CODE OF CONDUCTThe students’ interest in receiving a quality, morally based education can bestbe served if students, parents and school officials work together. Normally,differences between these individuals can be resolved. In some rare instances,however, the school may find it necessary, at its discretion, to require parents/guardians to withdraw their child.It shall be an express condition of enrollment that students behave in a manner,both on and off campus, which is consistent with the Christian principles of theschool as determined by the school in its discretion. These principles include,but are not limited to, any policies, principles or procedures set forth in anyparent/student handbook of the school.It shall be an express condition of enrollment that the parents/guardiansof a student shall also conform themselves to standards of conduct that areconsistent with the Christian principles of the school, as determined by theschool at its discretion. These principles include, but are not limited to, anypolicies, principles or procedures set forth in any parent/student handbook ofthe school.These principles further include, but are not limited to, the following:Parents/guardians are expected to work courteously and cooperatively withthe school to assist the student in meeting the academic, moral and behavioralexpectations of the school.Students and parents/guardians may respectfully express their concerns aboutthe school operation and its personnel. However, they may not do so in amanner that is discourteous, scandalous, rumor driven, disruptive, threatening,hostile, or divisive.These expectations for students and parents/guardians include, but are notlimited to, all school-sponsored programs and events (e.g., extended care,athletics, field trips, etc.).The school reserves the right to determine, at its discretion, which actions fallshort of meeting the Christian principles of the school. Failure to follow theseprinciples will normally result in a verbal or written warning to the studentand/or parent/guardian and normally will first result in disciplinary action shortof a requirement to withdraw from the school (e.g. suspension of student orsuspension of parent/guardian’s privilege to come on the campus grounds and/or participate in school activities, volunteer work, etc.) The school reserves theright to determine, at its discretion, when conduct is of such a severe nature asto warrant immediate action without a warning and/or without an intermediatestep short of withdrawal.SACRED HEART SCHOOLS STATEMENT ON EQUITY,JUSTICE, AND MULTICULTURAL EDUCATIONEvery Sacred Heart School in the United States subscribes to the “Goals andCriteria of Sacred Heart Education.” Therefore, sensitivity to and support ofthe diversification of the campus at all levels is part of the essential nature of aSacred Heart School. Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton hold as their mission theinclusion of diverse people at all levels of campus life and the development ofprograms to support the unique needs of each student. To this end the Board ofTrustees adopt the following goals:• The Board seeks to diversify its own membership• The Board commits itself to support programs that edify all members ofour communityThe Board calls the administration to:• Commit itself to the recruitment of administrators, faculty, staff andstudents from a variety of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds• Develop programs that help retain and graduate students from a variety ofethnic and socio-economic backgrounds• Create an environment of support for all members of our communitySpecifically, in regard to students, it is the goal of Sacred Heart Schools that:• The financial aid program be sufficient to support each application on aneed blind acceptance basis• No student will be marginalized in any campus activity• No student will be unable to attend school or a school activity because offinancial constraints• Campus activities be organized with an awareness of and respect for ourcommunity’s socio-economic diversity10 11

• Sufficient support programs be developed to help students achieve a “levelplaying field” in academics, social and extra-curricular activitiesThe Board supports the Schools’ commitment to create an intellectual,cultural and spiritual environment in which all members of the Sacred Heartcommunity take pride and thrive. Thus, it is hoped that all who come intocontact with Sacred Heart Schools may begin to find fulfillment, peace andGod.ADMINISTRATIONPersonnelDirector of Schools……....................................................Mr. Richard A. Dioli650.473.4001Principal, Grades 1-8............................................................Ms. Bridget Collins650.473.4041Dean of Studies, Grades 1-5........................................................Ms. Myra Syed650.473.4043Dean of Studies, Grades 6-8............................................................Jesus Ramos650.454.8380Dean of Technology,................................................................Mr. Mike Taverna650.454.8309Dean of Students, Grades 1-8.....................................................Mr. Chris Scott650.473.4044Dean Curriculum Enrichment..............................................Mr. Derek Waarich650.473.4045Director of Learning Services......................................................Kyle Kalmbach650.473.4047Registrar, Administrative Assistant........................................Mrs. Donna Vanoli650.322.9931Receptionist, Health Care.................................................Mrs. Carol Antonacci650.322.9931Extended Care & After School Enrichment.......................Mrs. Diane Greenleaf650.473.4062Director of Admission, Grades 1-8....................................Ms. Christine O’Neal650.473.4011Director of Institutional Advancement......................................Ms. Sterrin Bird650.473.4090Billing Questions................................................................Mrs. Malinda Pjesky650.473.4009Mailing Address:Sacred Heart Schools, AthertonLower and Middle School150 Valparaiso AvenueAtherton, CA 94027Office Phone: (650) 322-9931Office Fax: (650) 322-7656E-mail: To e-mail anyone on campus, use their first initial and last name @shschools.org. Example: bcollins@shschools.org.Web site: The school’s Web address is www.shschools.org.Individual teacher voice mail numbers can be found in the school rosteror on the Web site.EMERGENCY / DISASTER INFORMATIONEmergency ProcedureSacred Heart Schools has an Emergency Preparedness Plan that anticipatesmany possible emergency situations. An emergency is defined as an unexpected,serious occurrence resulting in a hazardous situation, injury or illness, andrequiring immediate attention. The policies and procedures in the plan foremergency response are addressed each year and reviewed with the students,faculty and staff. A copy of the Emergency Preparedness Plan is available forreview in each school office and is posted on the school’s Web site.Role of the SchoolStudents have been instructed and have practiced on a regular basis evacuatingthe buildings in response to a fire or earthquake.If the school makes the decision that classes are cancelled for the day eachhousehold will receive a recorded message from the school through NTI, asecure emergency message system to which the school subscribes. Informationmay also be available on the schools’ answering machines and local TV andradio stations.12 13

Role of the ParentsIn case of an emergency, parents should first ascertain if conditions are safe totransport students to the school.Once a student is on campus, he or she may not leave the campus withoutauthorization from the appropriate school representative. Students who are notpicked up by nightfall will be relocated to temporary accommodations on theSacred Heart campus.In the event of an emergency on campus . . .1. The school will call you via our notification system. (Please keep yourcontact information up to date).2. Instructions will be given where and when to pick up your child.3. All SHS students will need to be signed out when picked up.GENERAL INFORMATIONDaily ScheduleMorning supervision is provided from 7:40 a.m. to 7:55 a.m. The schedule forMonday through Friday is as follows:• 7:55 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. -- Grades 1-5• 7:55 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. -- Grades 6-8All students are encouraged to arrive at least ten minutes before school begins.Classrooms open at 7:45 a.m. Children may not enter any school buildingunless a teacher is present. Before school, at recess, and at lunch, students playin supervised play areas. All students need to be in their first period class by7:50 a.m. and are considered tardy at 7:55 a.m.Morning announcements will be at 7:55 a.m. every day. Announcements onMonday will be held in Robinson Court or in the Foley Center, depending onthe weather. On Parent Conference days and on days preceding most vacations,school is dismissed at 11:30 a.m. for Preschool - grade 3, 11:40 a.m. for grades4-5, and 11:50 a.m. for grades 6-8. Specific dates are listed on the schoolcalendar and in the Weekly Bulletin.Students in grades 1-5 leave the school grounds promptly. Students who are notpicked up within fifteen minutes following dismissal or the completion of anafter-school practice or activity will be taken to extended care and families willbe charged accordingly.Extended CareBefore School Care is available from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and After SchoolCare is available from 2:50 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. for children in preschool throughgrade eight on regular school days. Detailed information and arrangements forenrollment can be obtained by calling Mrs. Diane Greenleaf, since this is not adrop-in service.Students participating in a school-sponsored activity will attend a schoolprovidedstudy hall/supervised area until the last game or practice begins.Parking LotsParking lot controls are designed for the safety of the children. Please be promptin picking up your child and other riders. There are three areas used for drop offand two areas used for pickup; each family is assigned locations depending onthe grade level of the children in the family.• Families with children in grades 1, 2, 3 and 4 only are to drop off andpick up in the Circle Lot.• Families with children in grades 1-8 are to drop off and pick up in theMain Lot.• Families with children in Preschool and grades 1-8, drop off 1-8 studentsin the Main Lot then proceed to the Preschool Lot. For consistency, thesefamilies must pick up all students in the Preschool Lot, even on days whenthe Preschool is on a half-day schedule or not in session.• Students need to be dropped off on the passenger side in designated spotsonly.• Parents may not use cellular phones while driving in any of the lots.Parents must follow the directions of the faculty and staff supervisors. Parentsmust not park in drop-off or pick-up areas, during the posted times. Nopassenger loading or unloading in the Main lot driveway during 7:30 a.m. -8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m - 3:30 p.m.AttendanceStudies consistently find a correlation between student attendance and academicperformance. Students who are absent miss valuable instruction that cannot bereplaced by any amount of independent study. The school schedules holidaysthroughout the year and every effort should be made to schedule medical anddental appointments outside of school hours. Missing class for medical/dentalappointments should be a last resort.Children who leave the campus for an appointment must leave and return fromthe office entrance with a parent or guardian.14 15

Absences Rules and Procedures• Attendance is taken daily and recorded in the school office; all absencesand tardies are recorded on a student’s report card.• Absences must be reported to the office before 9:00 AM by phone call oremail.• Students who will be leaving during the school day must provide advancedwritten notice (a note from the parent/guardian) to the office. Students maynot leave school directly from class; they must report to the office beforeleaving campus and must be accompanied off campus by a parent/guardian.• Students who arrive at school after the second bell (7:55 a.m.) are markedTARDY; students must report to the office before being admitted to class.• Students who have not arrived at school by 11:00 a.m. are marked ABSENT;students who leave school mid-day for 3 hours or more are marked ABSENT.• Every fifth tardy in a trimester will result in a letter being sent by the Dean ofStudents.• Attendance is REQUIRED in order for students to participate in extracurricularactivities; A student must be in attendance for a minimum of 3hours in order to participate in sports, plays, dances, clubs, or any otherextra-curricular activities.• Students who accrue eight absences within a single trimester will be put onATTENDANCE PROBATION. Students on attendance probation will notbe permitted to participate in extra-curricular activities for the duration oftheir probation.• Students will remain on attendance probation until the end of the trimester.• If an extended illness or emergency situation results in the student’s accruingmore than eight absences in a trimester, the parent may appeal the probationin writing to the principal.• Students who arrive at school late or temporarily leave school during theschool day are required to submit any and all assignments that are due thatday. Previously scheduled tests or quizzes that may have been missed due totardiness/temporarily leaving school must be made up that day after schoolor before school the next morning. Failure to submit work or make up tests/quizzes that day may result in zero credit.• Students who are absent must complete missed assignments within areasonable timeframe as prescribed by the teacher.• Parents must submit a request for homework of an ill student by 9:00 a.m. itwill be available in the office by 3:00 p.m.• Trimester Exams are scheduled on the calendar and must be taken on the dayassigned except in cases of extreme emergency. Students arriving to schoollate on days when trimester exams are administered much check in with theDean before reporting to class. Make-up exams will be administered afterschool hours, and may not be the same exam already given.• Long-term assignments are due on the regularly scheduled day. If a studentis absent or tardy, he/she must make arrangements to have the assignmentturned in as scheduled.• Even if a student misses a test review day, he/she is still expected to take thetest on the scheduled day.HealthState law requires that each child have an updated California SchoolImmunization Record on file.An accurate emergency card must be on file for each family from the first dayof school. Duplicate cards are needed if you have children in the preschool orin the high school. Should a child become ill or have an accident, parents orpersons listed on the emergency card will be contacted.The school does not have a registered nurse on staff. Our receptionist also servesas our health care person. She is trained and certified in First Aid and C.P.R., asare other members of the faculty and staff.First aid supplies are kept in the office for emergencies. The school health careperson is available during school hours.If your child contracts a communicable disease, it is required that a parentnotify the school immediately so that other parents can be told of theincubation period and symptoms.Head LiceIf a student is at school and is found to have head lice, notification andinformation will be sent home. A standard exposure notice will be sent to theother students in the class. The student may return to school after treatmentand a check up in the school office. The school will continue to make periodiccheck-ups of the student for the month after initial treatment.Head lice are a common and annoying problem but are not dangerous. Pleasedo not be embarrassed or upset. Call your doctor’s office and follow their advicefor treatment. It is critical that you follow the directions for treatment exactlyand completely. Please have your child come to the office before returning toclass.CafeteriaThe cafeteria is open to students during morning break and lunch for thosestudents wishing to purchase food. It is open after school until 4 p.m. only forthose students involved in after school activities.16 17

In honor of the catering contract, as well as safety reasons, there will be no lunchdelivery allowed on campus.The daily menu is printed in the Weekly Bulletin and available on the Web site.The school does not allow the students to bring cash to purchase items in thecafeteria. Instead, all students must use the electronic purchasing system. This isa debit system, with payment required in advance. Parents are responsiblefor maintaining a positive balance at all times. Students may not be able topurchase food if the positive balance is not maintained. All balance questions orconcerns need to be directed to the catering company, not SHS.BicyclesStudents should not ride bikes on Emilie Avenue to or from Valparaiso Avenue.Bike gates and lanes are provided on Valparaiso Avenue at the traffic light, onEmilie Avenue at the soccer field, and on Park Lane at the Gatehouse entrance.There are bike racks located near the school buildings so that students maylock their bikes for the day. Use of bikes during the day on school property isnot permitted. Bikes must be walked when entering or leaving school propertyto ensure the safety of all. Bikes are not allowed in the courtyard. Please payattention to posted signs. Bikes cannot be ridden where students are walking orplaying.Bringing Things to SchoolIn order to foster responsibility in your child, we encourage parents not to bringforgotten items to school.Children may not bring articles such as radios, iPods and walkmans, skateboards,scooters, roller blades, Frisbees, toys, etc., to school. These items will beconfiscated if brought to school. Teachers will notify parents if special materialsare required for class. The use of pagers and cell phones is not permitted duringschool hours. If a child in grades 4-8 needs to carry a pager or cell phone,a parent must complete the telephone registration form and return to theappropriate dean. In this case, the student must leave them in his/her locker orbackpack.Grades 1-5: Boys• Navy blue pants.• Navy blue shorts - shorts may not be worn on “formal days.”• White short sleeved or long sleeve polo-style shirt, no logos, or whiteturtlenecks.• Dark red sweater with SHS logo,( either long-sleeved or vest). *REQUIREDon all “formal dress” days.• Navy SHS sweatshirt or SHS fleece jacket.• White socks, no logos.• Brown, black, or white tennis shoes may be worn. They must have a lightcolored sole and may not light up or have wheels. They must have minimallogo detail that blends with the shoes upper. These may not be high tops.Grades 1-5: Girls• Plaid jumper (Grades 1-5) *REQUIRED for Mass and other formal events.• Plaid skirt (Grades 4-5 ONLY).• Navy blue pants.• Navy blue shorts - may not be worn on “formal dress” days.• Navy blue skort - may not be worn on “formal dress” days.• White short sleeved or long sleeve polo-style shirt, no logos.• White turtleneck.• Dark red sweater with SHS logo, (either long-sleeved or vest). *REQUIREDfor “formal dress” days.• Navy SHS sweatshirt or SHS fleece jacket.• White socks, no logos.• Brown, black, or white tennis shoes may be worn. They must have a lightcolored sole and may not light up or have wheels. They may not be hightops.Middle School Boys• Khaki pants.• Khaki shorts - may not be worn on “formal dress” days.• Belt, solid brown or black with “normal” buckle - belt MUST be worn withpants and shorts.• White short sleeved or long sleeve polo-style shirt, no logos.• White turtleneck.Pets are not allowed on campus for any reason.• Dark red pullover sweater with SHS logo *REQUIRED on all “formaldress” days.School Uniform• Dark red sweater vest with SHS logo.The only item that all students are required to have is the school sweater with• Navy SHS sweatshirt.the SHS logo, which will be worn at Mass and on picture day. Lower School• Navy SHS fleece jacket.students may wear either a pullover or a vest. However, Middle School students• White socks, no logos.may not wear the vest for Mass or for picture day.• Brown or black shoes, no logos, no high tops.18 19

Middle School Girls• Gray skirt - hemmed not shorter than 3 inches from the center of the backof the knee.• Khaki pants.• Khaki shorts - may not be worn on “ formal dress” days.• White short sleeved or long sleeve polo-style shirt, no logos.• White turtleneck.• Dark red pullover sweater or vest with SHS logo *REQUIRED for “formaldress” days.• Navy SHS sweatshirt.• Navy SHS fleece jacket.• White socks, no logos.• Brown or black shoes, no logos, no high tops.General Uniform Reminders• Boys’ shirts must be tucked-in during the school day.• Girls’ skirts must be no shorter than 3 inches from the center of the back ofthe knee.• PE shorts should never show beneath uniform skirts or shorts.• All clothing should fit properly, and should not be excessively loose orexcessively tight.• Pants may not sag or ride low on the hips or have excessive length in thecuff.• Only uniform sweaters or sweatshirts may be worn on campus.• Undergarments (including camisoles and tank tops) should not be visible.• Gray hooded SHS sweatshirts may be worn at PE only, not during the restof the school day. Non - uniform jackets may be worn outside only.• No jewelry is allowed except post-style earrings for girls, (only one post perearlobe) necklaces with small religious symbols, and watches.• Girls in grades 1-7 may wear only clear nail polish; girls in 8th grade maywear colored nail polish.• No makeup is to be worn at school.• Girls may wear simple barrettes, hair bows/bands only.• Girls may wear solid color tights that match the uniform. These may besolid white, black, navy blue, or gray.• Shoes with heels in excess of 1-inch are not permitted for health and safetyreasons. This includes platforms.• Hair should be neat and combed during the school day and during schoolactivities. Boys’ hair may not extend over the collar of a shirt or fall into theeyes; extreme hairstyles are not allowed.• No flannel shirts or other sweatshirts are to be worn to school.• Raincoats may be worn on days with inclement weather but must beremoved in class.“Formal Dress” Days“Formal Dress” days include Mass days, prayer services, picture day, prize day,and retreat days. On “formal dress” days, students must wear a dark red SHSsweater and may not wear shorts.“Free Dress” DaysFree dress days are days on which students are not required to wear the SHSuniform. Attire on free dress days follows the general guidelines for school dressin terms of length and appropriateness.THE FOLLOWING ARE NOT ALLOWED ON FREE DRESS DAYS:• Short shorts or skirts may not be shorter than 3 inches from the center ofthe back of the knee.• Tank tops, halter tops, tops that bare the midriff, or low-cut tops.• Torn or dirty jeans/sweat pants, excessively baggy or excessively tightclothes are not acceptable.• Sandals are permitted; however flip flops are not.• T-shirts with inappropriate logos are not permitted (these include picturesor words depicting music groups, alcohol, etc. and anything of a violent orsexual nature).PE Uniform• Grades 1-3 for girls and boys: Black mesh shorts/ white shirts.• Grades 4-8 for girls and boys: Black mesh shorts/ gray SHS shirts.Note: Athletic shoes must be worn during PE. Two pairs of shoes are required;one indoor pair and one outdoor pair.School Uniform and Dress Code EnforcementViolations of the uniform/dress code will be handled as follows:• Grades 1-2: Problems will be communicated between teachers, students,parents, and administrators. Teachers will educate students about theuniform policy and help them keep within the dress code. Uniformviolations that cannot be corrected at school will be communicated to theparents. Ongoing uniform issues will be referred to the Dean.• Grades 3-5: Students must correct violations. If the problem is notimmediately correctable, the student is sent to the Dean, who will handlethe violation as follows:• 1st offense - the student must write a note describing the uniformviolation; the note is sent home and must be signed by a parent orguardian and returned to the Dean the following school day.20 21

• 2nd offense - the student is held for recess/break; a call to the parentswill be made.• 3rd offense - the student is sent to the office and must wait until aparent/guardian brings whatever is needed to correct the uniformviolation.• Grades 6-8: Students receive handbook slips and must correct theviolation. If the violation cannot be corrected, the student is sent to theDean. The Dean will handle the situation as follows:• 1st offense - the student will receive a from describing the uniformviolation; the form must be signed by a parent/guardian and returnedto the Dean the following school day.• 2nd offense - the student loses break and a call is made to the parent/guardian.• 3rd offense - the student is sent to the office and must wait until aparent/guardian brings whatever Is needed to correct the uniformviolation.Locks, Lockers, Gym BasketsSixth, seventh, and eighth graders are issued a locker for their books and aseparate locker for PE clothes and sports equipment. Fourth and fifth gradersare issued a gym locker for PE clothes. All lockers MUST have locks on themand should be kept locked when not in use. All books and other personal itemsmust remain in lockers or backpacks when not in use. School lockers, desks,and other similar equipment are not the private property of the students, butthe property of the School, and may be opened and subject to inspection fromtime to time by school officials, without advance warning or notice.In order to foster responsibility in your child, it is your child’s responsibility tolock his or her locker. Failure to lock the locker will result in a handbook slip.Lost and FoundUnclaimed articles are placed in the lost and found boxes located alongside the200 building. Students should look for lost items in these boxes regularly. It isextremely important that all items be labeled clearly with the child’s first andlast names in order to minimize the loss of items. The boxes are periodicallyemptied, and items are sent to local charities and the uniform exchange.Visitors on CampusFor the safety of the students, all visitors to the school, including parents, mustcheck in at the office upon arrival and obtain a parent or visitor pass. This doesnot apply to parent conference times, which have been scheduled in advance.COMMUNICATIONWeekly BulletinsWeekly Bulletins inform parents about activities and scheduling, and providean important information link to the school. The Bulletin will be emailed toparents each week, and will be posted on the SHS Web site as well. It is usuallysent/posted on Tuesday. Parents should ensure that the administration office hastheir most current email addresses in order to remain up-to-date on the school’sactivities and information.MailingsAn all-school mailing containing important information vital to the school yearis sent to each family in August. Letters and important communications aresent home to parents with report cards each trimester. Sacred Heart Schoolsperiodically sends issues of the school newsletter to parents, which detailcampus activities.Parent ConferencesParent conferences are scheduled two times during the school year. The schoolcalendar and Weekly Bulletin list specific dates and times, and parents scheduleappointments through the online system. Parents who desire a meeting withany teacher at any other time during the school year should contact the teacher.Parent concerns should always first be directed to the teacher.Parental AbsencesParents who are planning to be away from home for an extended period oftime must notify the school as to whom will be responsible for their child andprovide the necessary emergency contact information. Parents planning such anabsence must notify the school in writing telling who will pick up their childeach day after school.RELIGIONThe spirit that characterizes Sacred Heart is grounded in the Roman Catholicfaith, traditions and Christian values. Sacred Heart welcomes children of allfaiths into the school family. Non-Catholic students take the religion materialcourses as content, not as belief, and are present at all liturgical functions.Core ProgramThe core of the religious program includes daily prayer, religion classes, School/class Masses and prayer services, service learning, and retreats (grades 6-8)22 23

Special EventsSpecial practices reinforce classroom instruction and offer the student anopportunity for individual exploration and expression of faith ChristmasNovena, Feast Days, Lenten practices, Special projectsReconciliation and First EucharistAs part of the Second Grade curriculum, Catholic children are prepared toreceive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist.ACADEMICSPhilosophyThe academic program at SHS places a strong emphasis on the fundamentalskills of reading, writing, and mathematics as a basis for all intellectualdevelopment. It provides a stimulating and challenging environment thatfosters a love of learning, curiosity, and development of higher order thinkingskills.Parents should contact the appropriate teacher whenever academic questionsarise. Questions regarding teaching & curriculum should be directed to theappropriate Dean of Studies. Questions regarding student life should bedirected to the Dean of Students.Books and SuppliesStudents in grades 6-8 buy designated books online through Varsity Books.Lists of additional materials required for each class are included in the Augustmailing. Textbooks in grades 1-5 are included as part of the tuition and are theproperty of SHS.Testing and AssessmentPeriodic testing, i.e., quizzes, tests, and chapter reviews, is a feature of theacademic program in all grades. However, teachers assess the students’ progressin a variety of other ways as well. Under most circumstances, students will haveno more than two tests or quizzes on the same day.Students in grades 7-8 take trimester exams. These exams may be cumulativein nature and may often weigh more than a test. The weight of the trimesterexams are determined by the individual teacher in conjunction with the Deanof Studies.Studies or the Principal.Mid-Trimester NoticesThe school year is divided into trimesters. Every Middle School student willreceive a Mid-Trimester report in all subjects. Conferences are scheduled at midtrimesterfor all students in grades 1-8. Mid-Trimester reports offer the studentthe opportunity for reflection and improvement before the end of the trimester.Report CardsReport cards are mailed at the end of each trimester to all students and theirfamilies. Trimester grades are entered into the student’s permanent file.GradingLetter grades are given for achievement in each subject for grades 4-8 and arebased on the system below. Also listed are the numerical equivalents on a 4.0scale used in computing Grade Point Average (GPA).Grade Percentage PointsA 100-93 4.00A- 92-90 3.65B+ 89-87 3.35B 86-83 3.00B- 82-80 2.65C+ 79-77 2.35C 76-73 2.00C- 72-70 1.65D+ 69-67 1.35D 66-63 1.00D- 62-60 0.65F 59 and below 0.00Grade Point Average (GPA)Each trimester, a Middle School student’s GPA is calculated. Each letter grade isgiven the corresponding numerical value detailed above. The Fine Arts grade iscounted one-half, and the subjects of English Literature, Mathematics, Religion,Social Studies, Foreign Language, and Science are each counted once. Thenumerical values of the grades are added up and divided by 6.5 to figure thefinal GPA. Middle School students who take Study Skills in place of a foreignlanguage will not have that grade factored into their GPA. PE, InstrumentalMusic and Chorus grades are not counted in the GPA.All students in grades 2-7 take standardized tests during the spring. Results ofthese tests will be provided by the school and can be discussed with the Dean of24 25

Honor RollSacred Heart recognizes those students who have done well academically eachtrimester with an Honor Card, sent home with the trimester Report Card.Students who have a GPA of 3.35 or higher will receive Honors for thattrimester. Students who have a GPA of 3.85 or higher will receive High Honorsfor that trimester.Graduation RequirementGraduating students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00 in allacademic subjects during their eighth grade year and must maintain acceptablebehavior standards. Students who fail to achieve this benchmark may face oneor more of the following consequences:• exclusion from graduation activities, such as class field trips, graduationmass, and the graduation ceremony;• notification of the student’s high school of the academic and/or behavioralissue;• retention.Graduation with HonorsStudents of demonstrated academic excellence who graduate from SHS witha cumulative 7th and 8th grade GPA of 3.35 to 3.84 will graduate with“Honors.”Students of demonstrated academic excellence who graduate from SHS with acumulative 7th and 8th grade GPA of 3.85 to 4.00 will graduate with “HighHonors.”California Junior Scholarship Federation (CJSF)Sacred Heart Schools is a charter member of the California Junior ScholarshipFederation. According to the state constitution for the organization, “Thepurpose of this organization shall be to foster high standards of scholarship,service, and citizenship on the part of California students in Junior High, andto promote appropriate activities among its members.” Students may apply formembership in CJSF when they have earned the required number of points forthe trimester, and they also must perform hours of community service. Studentsin the 7th and 8th grade are eligible to apply, and students who have been onCJSF at least two trimesters during each of their 7th and their 8th grade yearswill receive a pin and a gold seal on their diplomas at graduation.Foreign LanguageAll students are expected to take a foreign language. However, in specialcases in which it is determined by the school that special support is required,arrangements may be made with the Dean of Students and the Director ofLearning Services to take the Study Skills course as an alternative to foreignlanguage. Documentation of specific special support needs will be required.HomeworkHomework is a necessary reinforcement of concepts and skills taught in classand may consist of written work, reading books or newspapers, studying,discussions with parents, interviews, or projects and experiments. Good studyhabits emphasized at SHS include a regular time for study in a quiet, well-litenvironment that is free from distractions such as the telephone, computergames, email, and instant messaging. The student’s homework should bereflective of his/her own care, effort, time, and thought. It should be presentedin a neat and orderly manner, following SHS standards.The actual amount of time spent on homework depends on the individualstudent and teacher. The times given below are guidelines.Grades 7-8:Grade 6:Grade 5:Grade 4:Grade 3:Grade 2:Grade 1:2 hours90 minutes75 minutes60 minutes45 minutes30 minutes20 minutesWeekend homework is often assigned in grades 5-8, and may be assigned in thelower grades. It might also be assigned for make-up work, special projects, orlong-range assignments.Long-range assignments and projects demand a realistic time schedule. Workshould be done on some aspect of the project each day to ensure completion ofthe project on time.Learning Center/Lucas Family LibraryThe Learning Center and the Lucas Family Library are combined libraryand technology resource centers. Both have extensive collections of referencematerials, books, tapes, and films, with the Learning Center being gearedmostly for students in grades 1-5 and the Lucas Family Library being gearedmostly for students in grades 6-8. Students may borrow books for assigned orpersonal reading. Students may use the Learning Center before school, at recess,or after school.26 27

General Tutoring PolicyAll non-employee tutors who meet students on campus must register with theBusiness Office and be fingerprinted. Each time the tutor is on campus, thetutor must check in and out with the Main Office.need time to practice organizational and study techniques. The study skillsteacher will review, if necessary, curriculum content with the students. The classwill also provide time for students to complete tests and assignments if theyqualify for extended time, as stated in their educational evaluation. Study skillswill be taken in lieu of a foreign language.It is part of every teacher’s job to help students in her own classes, and parentsshould not compensate faculty in any way for such help. However, facultymembers may NOT tutor (for pay) any student in the grade level which theyteach, and may not tutor any student whom they have a chance of teaching inthe future at SHS. This includes summer reviews that at teacher may conduct.Learning Services ProgramTutoringIf a teacher observes a student struggling with the curriculum, he or shewill begin collecting work samples and conduct informal assessments togain a better understanding of the student’s performance difficulties. Thisinformation will then be brought to the attention of the appropriate level Deanand the Director of Learning Services. If necessary, the Director will contactthe student’s parents to discuss the concerns. Tutors will be chosen by theparents and will see the students after school. If the tutor would like to comeon campus after school, then he or she will need to contact the Director ofLearning Services to see if the appropriate arrangements can be made.LaptopsIf a student requires a technological device for personal word processing inclass as noted in his or her educational testing recommendations, then theparents should contact the Director of Learning Services. Once the use of atechnological device is approved by the school, the student may bring an AlphaSmart or Neo into the classroom for note taking and writing assignments.These are solely word processing machines, as the school does not permit anypersonal technological devices with internet access, electronic games, etc., in theclassrooms. The student and the student’s family will be responsible for the cost,security and maintenance of the device.Extended Time on TestsThe school offers 50 percent extra time on tests for students with an up-todateeducational evaluation that shows specific evidence of a need for thisadjustment. Students who have been tested do not automatically receiveaccommodations. Only after the school has reviewed the testing and it hasagreed to the recommendations can accommodations be granted.Effects of Absences on Academic PerformanceIf a student has an up-to-date educational evaluation (no more than three yearsParents are strongly discouraged from scheduling vacations at times other thanold) and needs tutoring during class time, there will be a meeting with thedesignated school holidays. While the school realizes that some situations areparents, the Director, the appropriate level Dean and the teacher to determineunavoidable, parents should consider seriously the effects such absences havethe best pull-out time and to approve an on or off campus tutor.on their children’s academic performance.• Students who are absent have the same number of days or class periods asALL tutors coming on to campus MUST contact the Human Resourcesthey missed to make up work. It is the student’s responsibility to make upDepartment to obtain fingerprinting information and all other necessarywork missed due to illness or other reasons, and Middle School students arepaperwork. In addition, parents must sign a Tutor Information and Releaseexpected to use the teacher websites to keep up with work when they areform required by the school. These documents must be completed before theabsent, and communicate with teachers.tutor begins work with the student on campus. Once the tutoring is in place,• Classroom teachers and administrators must be given 10 days writtentutors must sign in at the main office each day and wear a name badge when onadvance notice of planned classroom absences; teachers are not obligatedcampus.to give homework/class work and may use personal discretion in assigningalternate requirements for time missed.If parents choose to obtain tutoring for their student without the schools’• The classroom teacher schedules regular exams. If a student misses an examrecommendation, then the tutoring must occur after school and off campus.review day, he/she is still expected to take the exam on the scheduled date.• Trimester Exams are scheduled on the calendar and must be taken on theErskine Stuart Program (Grades 4-8)day assigned except in cases of extreme emergency. The administrationThe program is for those students with up-to-date educational evaluations who28 29

should be notified in writing. Make-up exams will be administered afterschool hours, and may not be the same exam already given.• Long-term assignments still are due at the scheduled time. If a studentis absent or tardy, he/she should make arrangements to turn in theassignment as scheduled. Failure to do so can result in a lowered grade.Academic Review (Grades 1-5)Academic Review is designed for students who are consistently achieving belowthe academic standards of the school, despite persistent classroom remediationattempts by the teacher over the course of one trimester. The student’s teachers,Lower School Deans and the Director of Learning Services in conjunction withthe parents and the Principal, assess the student’s ability to work successfully atSHS, and determine whether or not the student should re-enroll. The Principalwill ultimately determine a student’s eligibility for continued enrollment.Academic Review and Probation (Grades 6-8)Academic ReviewStudents are placed on Academic Review when the school has concerns abouttheir academic progress. A student is placed on Academic Review if his/herGPA falls below a 2.0 or if he/she earns lower than a “C-” on the trimesterreport. A plan for intervention will be developed by the teacher and theDean of Studies in conjunction with the parents and the student. Studentson Review must show improvement in accordance with the plan in a timelymanner to be removed from Academic Review. Students on Review will alsoreceive more frequent progress reports from their teachers.Academic ProbationStudents who receive any grade lower than “C-” on a trimester report are placedon Academic Probation. Anytime a student is put on Academic Probation, aconference will be scheduled between the student, teacher(s) of the class(es)in which the student earned a deficient grade, the Dean, and the parents/guardians. At this meeting, the student will be required to sign an “AcademicProbation Contract.” Students on Academic Probation are not permitted toparticipate in extra-curricular school activities, including sports and drama.If a student fails to fulfill the terms of his/her Academic Probation Contract oris placed on Academic Probation for a second consecutive trimester, teachersand the Middle School Deans, in consultation with the parents of the studentinvolved and the Principal, will assess the student’s ability to work successfullyat SHS and determine whether or not the student will re-enroll. The Principalwill ultimately determine a student’s eligibility for continued enrollment.It is important to realize that a student may be asked to leave or denied reenrollment.If there are ongoing academic issues or the student is unable tosuccessfully manage the curriculum or if he/she does not complete the requiredwork, he/she will not be able to return to Sacred Heart.Academic Honor CodeThis honor code guides the school community towards a mindset of educatingoneself for a greater purpose. The honor code is not only a guide for student/teacher behavior, but also supports intellectual expression as a sacred act. Basedon the academic, spiritual, social and personal goals of the network of SacredHeart Schools, the code reflects the intention to promote and preserve academichonesty and integrity. Our school community, with direct reference to Goal 2,commits to a deep respect for intellectual values. We also strive to have policiesand practices that promote self-discipline, responsibility, and decision making.Role of the Teacher:• Create and maintain an environment which is conducive to honesty anddiminishes the temptation to cheat.• Clarify what is and what is not cheating in a given course by definingacademic dishonesty in instructional policies and by giving continualreminders of these standards.• Inform students of the educational purpose of coursework so that studentsrealize the value of each assignment.• Be realistic in setting deadlines and assigning workload.• Engage in and conduct dialogue that deals with a student when he/sheis not able to complete an assignment.• Discuss, determine and if necessary, document incidents and refer to theappropriate level Dean when academic dishonesty has occurred.• In all cases of academic dishonesty or the appearance of academicdishonesty, the teacher will first discuss the situation with the student. If anincident of dishonesty has occurred, this information will be shared withparents/guardians via the teacher and the level Dean.• Respect students, colleagues and oneself in light of Goal 2.• Academic Probation Contract - Teachers of classes in which the studentearned a deficient grade will, in coordination with the Dean, preparean Academic Probation Contract for students on Academic Probation.Academic Probation Contracts will include conditions and requirementsthat are designed to provide support, accountability, and practicalguidelines for improving the student’s future performance in class.Role of the Student:• Honor and maintain the relationship of trust between oneself and the30 31

teacher.• Follow the guidelines that are laid out by the teacher and in theinstructional policies.• Respect the educational purpose of each assignment.• Do not plagiarize*, copy work or cheat in any way in coursework,including labs, papers, tests, homework and projects.*Plagiarism is defined as the act of stealing the ideas or words of anotherand passing them off as one’s own. Direct quotes or paraphrased material,which is not common knowledge, must be cited by the use of end-, foot-, orany parenthetical notes. When a student uses anyone else’s words or ideas,the student must acknowledge the source. This applies to ANY borrowings,including but not limited to, borrowings from a published work, from a lecture,from a friend’s old term paper, another student’s homework, the Internet, ora tutor. Failure to acknowledge borrowings is PLAGIARISM—intellectualdishonesty—and a violation of the Honor Code. See consequences that follow.• Be willing not to finish an assignment if one does not understand the work,rather than cheat or copy work to complete the assignment at all costs.• Seek out the teacher first for aid and clarification in all coursework.• Respect teachers, classmates and oneself in light of Goal 2.The issue of academic honesty is academic in nature, yet honesty is paramountin all we do as a community. SHS, in light of our Goals and Criteria, functionsbest when all members of the school community treat each other with fairness,trust and respect.A teacher who witnesses cheating or views a situation where there is theappearance of cheating will first address the issue with the student(s) inquestion. The classroom teacher will, in the process of inquiry, establish whetheror not cheating has occurred.can be defined and documented as academic dishonesty.Reporting Procedures for Violation of the Honor CodeWhen cheating in any form is observed, proven and determined, it directlyimpacts the student’s status in the relevant class.• The teacher will talk with the student(s) involved.• The teacher will report relevant information regarding the specificcircumstances to the appropriate Dean of Studies, who will contact thestudent’s parents/guardians. A discussion will take place between the Deanand the parents/guardians to discuss the consequences for the violation ofthe Honor Code. The Principal will also be informed.• This information will be entered into the student’s temporary file.Consequences for Violation of the Honor CodeAny instance of academic dishonesty has some form of consequence. This isdetermined by the classroom teacher, in consultation with the appropriate Deanof Studies and the Principal.For a first offense, the student will:• Receive no credit for the assignment in question.• Not be allowed to turn in make-up work to restore credit.• Have a meeting, along with her parents/guardians, with the Dean todiscuss the fact that another incident regarding academic dishonesty duringher SHS career will result in a Disciplinary Board review, and that he/shecould face possible dismissal from Sacred Heart.For a second offense during the remainder of the academic career atSacred Heart, the student will:• Face the same consequences as first offense (listed above) AND…• Have the incident forwarded to the Discipline Board and face possibledismissal from Sacred Heart.The following are examples of academic dishonesty:• Using materials without proper documentation, both printed andBEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS AND DISCIPLINEelectronic (i.e., plagiarism).• Using any materials during quizzes/exams which has not been approved byPhilosophythe course instructor (i.e., unauthorized notes cards, study aides)“Self-control is so vital to the conduct of life that no price is too great for the• Talking to another student during a quiz/exam.habit; it is so indispensable that no kind of duty can be well done without it,• Looking at another student’s work during a quiz/exam.and no action is too small in which to practice it. It is a vain expectation to• Allowing a student to copy any portion of an assignment.hope that self-control and unselfishness will come forth at command in a crisis,• Copying an assignment and submitting work of another as your own.when they have not been practiced in the small occurrences of daily life. The• Seeking out or sharing information about exams that have been takenrare crises of life reveal us to ourselves, but we are made in the small victories orpreviously by a different section.defeats of every day.” Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ• Storing inappropriate/unauthorized material in any electronic device•32Any other action defined by individual course instructional policies that33

The following code is based upon the Goals and Criteria of Sacred HeartSchools and designed to foster faith, respect, personal discipline, and growth forall members of the Sacred Heart community. Any questions regarding schoolrules should be directed to the school administration.Jurisdiction of the SchoolThe school will enforce its disciplinary code in all of the following situations:• At all times when the student is on school grounds.• At all times during the school day, both off and on school grounds.• At all officially sanctioned school sponsored events, both off and on schoolgrounds.• Outside of the school day when the student’s behavior reflects upon theschool.Roles of Parents and Faculty/AdministrationThe relationship among the members of the community of Sacred HeartSchools is based on mutual respect, support and trust. Parents/guardians areexpected to work courteously and cooperatively with the faculty and staff ofSacred Heart Schools to assist the student in meeting the academic, moral andbehavioral expectations of the school. Concerns about a student’s progress orbehavior in a school-sponsored activity should first be expressed to the student’steacher or coach (whoever was supervising the activity during the situation inquestion). If matters cannot be resolved with school personnel at that level, anadministrator should be contacted.Because parents/guardians are the primary educators of their children, theresponsibility for the development of the discipline necessary to achieveintelligent, self-directed behavior on the part of the student shall belong tothem with the cooperation of the student, the school and its stall. Therefore, itis a condition of enrollment that a student behaves in a manner, both on andoff campus, which is consistent with the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart andthe rules and regulations in this Parent/Student handbook.Sacred Heart and its administration reserve the right to determine, in itsdiscretion, which actions fall short of meeting the Goals and Criteria and theDisciplinary Code of the school. SHS reserves the right to determine, in itsdiscretion, when conduct is of such a severe nature as to warrant immediatedisciplinary action to require parents/guardians to withdraw their studentwith or without a previous warning regardless of the location or time of themisconduct. The school reserves the right to deny re-enrollment to any studentwhose behavior falls short of school standards.Behavioral ExpectationsAll Sacred heart students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner thatfosters a positive learning environment for everyone. The classroom setting isthe very core of the Sacred Heart experience where students are encouraged tothink critically while learning to tolerate and respect a wide range of opinions.The following expectations are standards that are designed to promote respectand an atmosphere of wise freedom in the classroom and school environment.Students are expected to:• comply with the principles stated in the Code of Conduct;• abide by all standards stated in the Computer and Internet Use Statement• show respect at all times towards themselves, the classroom environment,classmates and their teachers;• take their work seriously and work towards their highest potential;• be on time and prepared for class with the necessary materials;• be attentive in class and to complete all assigned work;• not be a distraction to other students or disrupt the learning process;• be in the proper uniform or in compliance with the dress code at all times;• leave unauthorized electronic devices at home;• uphold the Academic Honor Code at all times;• honest in their dealings with teachers and administrators and in all schooltransactions.Campus Safety Considerations• No running in the school buildings, on the decks, and in the courtyard andpassageway.• Students riding bikes to and from school must use the bike paths; bikesmust be walked on campus.• Bikes, skateboards and ball play are prohibited in the courtyard.• Skateboards, rollerblades, roller skates, and scooters are prohibited oncampus.• Students may not be in any classroom without an adult present.Disciplinary ConsequencesThere are times when a student’s behavior warrants disciplinary intervention.When this occurs, the following procedures will be followed.MINOR OFFENSES• Lower School - Teachers may give a verbal warning, contact theparent/guardian about the problem behavior, or refer the student tothe Dean of Students.34 35

• Middle School - Teachers may give a verbal warning, issue ahandbook slip, assign detention, or refer the student to theDean of Students. Handbook slips are generally issued forroutine minor offenses (e.g., dress code violations, tardiness, disruptivein-class behavior, unlocked lockers, arriving to class unprepared, etc.)Consequences for the Accrual of Handbook Slips (grades 6 - 8):Accruing three handbook slips will result in the following consequences:• 1st time - student serves a 30 minute detention (7:15 a.m. - 7:45 a.m.);• 2nd time - parents are called; student serves a 30 minute detention;• 3rd time - parents are called to the school for a conference; student servesan in-house suspension;• 4th time - student goes before the Discipline Board.SERIOUS OFFENSESSome behaviors and actions demonstrate so serious a disrespect for oneself and/or the community and such a disregard for the Goals and Criteria of SacredHeart education, that they are considered “serious offenses.” Examples of seriousoffenses include but are not limited to:• Use or possession of alcohol, tobacco, or any other drug• Possession of weapons of any kind• Fighting• Vandalism• Theft• Verbal abuse/threats• Sexual harassment• Physical abuse• Leaving campus without permission• Disrespect shown to a teacher, staff member or parent• Threatening language or conduct• Internet abuse or cyber bullying• Lying and/or forging signaturesConsequences for Serious Offenses:Every action has a logical consequence. Counseling, conferencing, or probationmay be consequences that are given to a student for inappropriate behavior.A serious offense warrants a severe consequence. The logical consequences forthese behaviors will include one of the following: in-school or at-home suspensionor expulsion. The Discipline Board may be called to assist in the discernment of theappropriate consequence. If a student has already had disciplinary intervention for asevere infraction, he/she will be allocated a consequence that reflects the severity ofcontinued behavior that is of a serious nature.Explanation of Consequences:DetentionStudents may be assigned a detention that is to be served before school forvarious handbook and behavioral violations. The student will be given anassignment to do while “sitting” for his/her detention. This may be in theform of sitting quietly, doing a writing assignment, or some form of school/community/teacher service.If a student fails to attend his/her detention time, he/she will need to serve asecond detention. If the student fails to serve the second detention, he/she willbe subject to an in-school or at-home suspension.ProbationStudents may be put on probation for behavioral, academic or attendancereasons. Students on probation may not participate in extracurricular activities(e.g., sports, drama, dances, etc.) for the duration of their probation.In-School SuspensionStudents will report to school but spend the day separate from their classmates.Credit is given for all work. Students serving an in-school suspension may notparticipate in school-related activities on the day(s) of the suspension.At-Home SuspensionSuspension is the temporary forfeiture of a student’s privilege to attendSHS. Suspended students are prohibited from participating in school-relatedactivities. Students who are suspended will be able to make up all tests andquizzes.ExpulsionExpulsion is the immediate forfeiture of a student’s privilege to attend SHS.Discipline BoardThe Discipline Board consists of the appropriate Dean of Students and threefaculty members. The Dean convenes the Board at his/her discretion whenstudent behavior warrants it. The students involved in the offense or chronicmisbehavior may be asked to appear before the board in order that the problemmight be better understood and the appropriate consequences the circumstancessurrounding determined. The Board will make recommendations to thePrincipal, who will either accept or amend the Board’s findings. Appearing36 37

efore the Board is a privilege, not a right.ENRICHMENT AND OTHER PROGRAMSSportsSports OverviewSHS provides two levels of sports: the physical education program and theafter school sports program. The PE program is mandatory, emphasizingsportsmanship, knowledge, skill, and participation. The after school sportsprogram is voluntary and competitive, offering students an opportunity tocompete in inter-scholastic league play.After School SportsSHS belongs to the West Bay Athletic League (WBAL). Team try-outs areconducted in grades 4-8 for a variety of sports, including flag football, soccer,softball, basketball, baseball, volleyball, tennis, track, and swimming. Leagueschedules made in advance determine the sports played and the number ofteams. The Weekly Bulletin announces team try-outs, practices, and games.Fine ArtsFine Arts OverviewSpecialists teach Fine Arts as separate subjects, and the Fine Arts are integratedinto the curriculum of other core subjects. Students have opportunities in theFine Arts for after school enrichment and performance.DramaAll students have an opportunity to perform either in a K-8 performance oran all-campus performance, to which the entire Sacred Heart community isinvited. The Middle School play provides older students with the opportunityto practice production and acting skills taught throughout the years, and allmembers of the community are encouraged to attend.MusicStudents in grades 1-3 present performances during the year. Students in grades4-6 participate in an Instrumental Music program, which is taught as part ofthe regular school day. Students choose Band (brass, woodwind and percussioninstruments), or Chorus for the school year, and performances usually are givenduring the school year for parents.ArtStudents in grades one through eight display their work throughout the year.OTHER ACTIVITIESElectivesStudents in grades 7-8 will have the option to enroll in elective classes offeredeach trimester. An electives catalogue is provided to the students with theofferings for the year.Electives have included Camera Club, Science Exploration, Robotics, MathCounts, as well as the Yearbook and Newspaper. Elective classes meet eitherbefore or after school, and sign ups are announced through the WeeklyBulletin.Student CouncilSHS belongs to the Catholic Association of Student Councils, an organizationthat provides workshops and leadership opportunities for students. Students ingrades 5-8 may be elected to serve in various capacities on the Student Council.Periodic meetings are held to discuss student issues and to plan school activities.Student Council Officers• President (8th grader only)• Vice President (8th grader only)• Commissioner of Spirit (8th grader only)• Commissioner of Finance (8th grader only)• Secretary• Commissioner of Religious Affairs• Commissioner of Ecology• Commissioner of Publicity• Commissioner of Community ServiceProspective candidates must not have any grade below a “C” on his/her lastreport card in order to qualify to run for a Student Council office.A “C-” is not acceptable. Prospective candidates also must obtain signaturesfrom faculty and administrators, indicating that the student has maintainedacceptable behavioral standards.Field TripsEach activity/field trip will require a specific permission slip to be signed by aparent/guardian. Drivers/chaperones will be expected to provide proof of car38 39

insurance and a valid driver’s license.Dances/Fun NightsDances for grades 7 and 8 are sponsored by the Student Council and chaperonedby faculty, and are held periodically throughout the school year. Fun Nights forgrade 6 are chaperoned by faculty, and held periodically throughout the schoolyear.End-of-Year Activities• Prize Day Exercises include the distribution of promotion certificates andawards for special achievement in Grades 1-8. These exercises are not open toparents.• Sports Night will be held at the end of the year for student athletes and theirfamilies. Teams and coaches will be recognized for their achievement andeffort.• Pool parties are held for each class at the end of the school year. Dates andtimes are announced in the Weekly Bulletin.• Graduation activities are detailed in a special mailing sent to parents ofeighth graders in the early spring.Celebrating Birthdays at SchoolIn grades 4-8, parents should notify the Dean of Students the week beforethe child’s birthday. Treats should be brought to the cafeteria staff before thebeginning of the school day. Classroom time will not be used for birthdaycelebrations. Please drop off treats to the cafeteria staff before 9:00 a.m. Treatsneed to be small, simple, snack-like healthy items. Parents need to bring enoughfor the entire grade.In grades 1-3, parents should notify the homeroom teacher the week before thechild’s birthday. Treats should be brought to the homeroom teacher’s classroom.Treats will be distributed at the end of the day. Parents should confer with thehomeroom teacher to determine the most appropriate time for drop off. Parentsof primary grade students should only bring enough for the birthday boy or girl’sclass, not the entire grade.Questions about birthday celebrations at school should be directed to theappropriate Dean of Students.Parties off CampusSHS is not responsible for parties held off campus. However, even though a partytakes place off campus, the effects of the party almost always surface at school– positive or negative. Ultimately, the school encourages parents to hold partieswhich will contribute to the happiness and wellbeing of the entire class, and theschool actively supports parents in making decisions that hopefully will bringabout such results.• Parents must seriously consider how many students will be invited to aparty. Small guest lists can be appropriate, but leaving out only a fewchildren from the class causes problems.• Activities should be age appropriate, and children must be properlysupervised at all times.• The school asks our families NOT to host mixed parties or dances until theend of the eighth grade year. In our experience, boy-girl parties encouragepairing off, exclusion, and intensification of problems with cliques. Thisis because the children simply are not mature enough developmentallyand emotionally. There are many, many opportunities for the studentsto mix at school, including dances for the older children, which are ageappropriate.Invitations to parties need to be mailed or emailed. They will not bedistributed at school.Parents are encouraged to discuss these issues with the Dean of Students ifquestions arise.COMPUTERSGeneral informationThe computers at SHS are to be used to further the educational experience ofall the students at the school. The standards for computer use are rooted inthe Goals and Criteria, and are an extension of the SHS behavior standards asdescribed in this Handbook.The SHS computers with links to Internet provide access to local, national,and international sources of information and collaboration vital to intellectualinquiry in a democracy. When accessing the Internet from the school, everynetwork user has the responsibility to respect and protect the rights of everyuser in our community. Students are expected to act in a responsible, ethical,and legal manner, in accordance with the Goals and Criteria of Sacred HeartSchools, the behavior standards of SHS, and the laws of the state of Californiaand of the United States.The school is committed to safeguard students’ access to the Internet and WorldWide Web on school computers. Although the school cannot guarantee theeffectiveness of selected filtering and blocking technology, the School will usesuch measures that block or filter Internet access to visual depictions that are40 41

obscene or otherwise harmful to minors, as defined in the Children’s InternetProtection Act. Students are taught that the Internet may contain many thingsthat are not what they appear to be. Therefore, students must carefully evaluatethe information they gather to decide its value; this is a skill taught here at SHS.Computers and the Internet are tremendous resources for students and staffand connect them to the rest of the world. At the same time, the Internet canalso provide access to material that may be inappropriate, offensive or obscene.In light of Goal 5, students learn how to use Internet resources safely andresponsibly, and how to avoid unsuitable material.During the academic year, pictures of students may be featured on grade webpages. Names will not be included to identify the students in the picture.However, students’ first names only may be used in text on the web pages toacknowledge accomplishments if parents sign the appropriate release form.Recommendations for Families:• Families need to take appropriate cautions at home with regard to theirchildren’s computer usage.• Children should only have access to the Internet in a public area of thehome, so that it is easy for parents to monitor their usage.• Parents are encouraged to seek out programs that help them to monitortheir children’s email and instant messaging. Because these tools canbecome a significant distraction, particularly during homework and familytime, students should be limited in their time spent using these tools.Families should consider whether tools such as instant messaging are evennecessary or appropriate for their children.• Students should never give out any pictures or personal information suchas name, address, school, phone number or parents’ names and phonenumbers to sites on the Internet, whether at school or at home.• Students should never agree to get together with someone they “meet”online without first checking with their parents. They should neversend a picture or anything else without first checking with their parents.Because students are limited to academic sites at school, there should be noopportunity for such activity at school.Computer and Internet Use StandardsThe following standards set forth the responsibilities students assume as users ofthe network at SHS. If a student violates any of these standards, his/her accessto the Internet and all school computers will be revoked, and he/she will besubject to disciplinary action as defined in this handbook.• Computers and the Internet are to be used for school related activities.Chat rooms, game sites, instant messages, and other similarservices may not be used.• Students are expected to respect the property and privacy of othercomputer users. Using another person’s name to log onto or otherwiseuse the school server, and gaining access to an unauthorized account orcomputer are serious violations of school behavior standards.• Destruction of a computer, files contained on that computer, files on thenetwork, or any action that impedes the use of a computer or the networkis considered to be an act of vandalism, a serious violation of schoolbehavior standards. This includes but is not limited to tampering with data,hardware, or network files.• Students who post anything inappropriate about themselves, others, or theSchool on the internet - whether on personal web pages, web hosting sitessuch as MySpace.Com, blogs, etc. - are in serious violation of the behaviorcode.• Information found on the computer via CD-ROMS or the internet -including information, text and photos - is “owned” by someone else. Thatinformation may be used in schoolwork if the student properly cites wherethe information was found and to whom it belongs. Failure to do so is aviolation of the copyright law, and is a violation of the academic honorcode as defined in this handbook.• Students may only do work on the computer and Internet that they arewilling to share with their teachers and parents. This includes informationthey create and information they may find while using the Internet.Teachers and administrators may examine network disks and e-mail at anytime. Privacy of network files should not be assumed.• Students are expected always to use appropriate language when usingthe computer. Internet sites that contain rude, hateful, harmful, sexuallyexplicit or foul language are inappropriate for all SHS students. However,if a student comes across any information by mistake that makes him/heruncomfortable, that student should tell an adult immediately.ADDITIONAL POLICIESPolicy on Mandatory Child Abuse ReportingSection 11166 of the Penal Code requires that all teachers, instructional aides,teacher’s aides or assistants, administrative officers or supervisors of child welfareand attendance, certified pupil personnel employees, and others who haveknowledge of or observes, a child whom the individual knows or reasonablysuspects has been a victim of child abuse make a report to a law enforcementagency or child welfare agency immediately by phone, with a written report tofollow within 36 hours. In compliance with this law, any suspected incidentshould be reported to the Principal, who will facilitate making the report to the42 43

appropriate authorities.Policy on Persons with Physical and Mental Disabilities, DisabledVeterans and Vietnam Era VeteransThe policy of Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton is to treat all applicants andemployees fairly and without regard to (1) any disability they may have whichis unrelated to job qualifications, or (2) the fact that they are veterans of theVietnam Era. Accordingly, we have utilized and will continue to utilize positivepractices for recruiting, employing and advancing qualified veterans andpersons who are disabled.Policy Against HarassmentSacred Heart Schools is committed to providing an environment that is freeof discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, the School maintains astrict policy prohibiting any form of unlawful harassment, including sexualharassment in any form, bullying, and retaliation.• Harassment: Harassment consists of verbal or physical conduct, includingconduct based upon a student’s race, color, national origin, sex, sexualorientation, religion (or creed), or disability, that is so severe,pervasive, orobjectively offensive that it adversely affects a student’s ability toparticipate in or benefit from the School’s educational programs oractivities, or otherwise creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusiveeducational environment. Harassment may include: racial orethnic name calling or slurs; intimidating actions or threats; offensiveor threatening phone calls, notes, or e-mails; harmful pranks; or unduepressure to engage in behavior with which the other person does not feelcomfortable.• Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome andunsolicited sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivatedphysical conduct, or other visual or verbal or physical conduct orcommunication of a sexual nature that is so severe, pervasive, or objectivelyoffensive that it adversely affects a student’s ability to participate in orbenefit from the school’s educational programs or activities, or otherwisecreates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment.• Bullying: Bullying includes inappropriate conduct that adversely affectsa student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the school’s educationalprograms or activities based on efforts to intimidate, coerce, engender fear,or control a student.• Retaliation: It is a separate and distinct violation of the school’s policy forany student to retaliate against any person who reports alleged wrongfulconduct, including harassment or bullying, or against any person whotestifies, assists, or participates in an investigation, proceeding, or hearingrelating to such conduct. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, anyform of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment and may be redressed by theprocedures described below.Any student who believes that he or she has been subjected to violence,harassment, bullying, or other behavior that adversely affects his or herparticipation in or opportunity to benefit from the teacher, school’s programsand activities should report the alleged misconduct immediately to the schoolcounselor, the appropriate Dean, or the Principal so that appropriate disciplinaryaction may be taken. Even in the absence of a victim’s complaint, the School,upon learning of, or having reason to believe that such conduct has occurred,will promptly begin an investigation and take action, as deemed appropriate bythe school administration.The investigation may consist of personal interviews with the complainant,the individual(s) against whom the complaint is made, and others who mayhave knowledge of the alleged incident(s) or circumstances giving rise to thecomplaint. The investigation may also consist of any appropriate methods andpertinent documents. The School may take immediate steps, at its discretion,to protect the complainant, pupils, teachers, administrators, or other schoolpersonnel pending completion of an investigation of alleged harassment orviolence.Policy Regarding ConfidentialityThe core of the Sacred Heart educational experience remains the closerelationship between students and teachers. However, the confidentiality betweena student and a teacher or staff member is not always protected, and the teacheror staff member is legally bound to inform a parent and/or the authoritiesabout information given during a confidential conversation or counselingsession by mandated reporting criteria. SHS follows state laws with respect tomandated reporting. Mandated reporting requires certain individuals to reportsuspected child neglect, child abuse or maltreatment to the governmentalagency responsible for child protection in the particular jurisdiction. In somejurisdictions or instances the reporter may also be legally required to reportsuspected abuse to law enforcement agencies. SHS employees must report to theproper authority when:• A student indicates that he or she is going to physically harm him or herselfor jeopardize his or her life;• A student indicates he or she is going to physically harm or jeopardize thelife of another or has knowledge that another’s well being is threatened;• A student indicates he or she is being sexually, physically, or emotionallyabused or subjected to neglect or dangerous situations;• A student indicates he or she has committed a felony offense (i.e., sellingdrugs, stealing, etc.)44 45

Media PolicyIn recognition of the importance for security and privacy within the SacredHeart Schools community, the Administration has adopted the followinggeneral policy:1. All requests for media coverage of private school events shall be handled bythe Director of Schools or, in his absence, the Director of Communications.The Communications Office shall handle routine press inquiries.2. The media is normally welcome at Sacred Heart events to which the public isinvited (e.g., sports, plays, Christmas boutique, and guest speakers.)3. Absent exceptional circumstances, the media will not be granted access toprivate school events or non-public facilities. However, the Director of Schoolsmay grant such access after considering needs for the security and privacy ofstudents and the school community and the efficacy of school programs.Authorization for Publication of PhotographsBy signing the Enrollment Agreement, parents grant Sacred Heart Schools theright (through Sacred Heart print, video, and electronic communications) touse, incorporate, and distribute photographs or video footage taken of theirstudent as a result of that student’s participation in approved activities of SacredHeart Schools, unless written notification removing permission is submitted bythe parents to the office.Sacred Heart Schools operates and maintains a public website at www.shschools.org with password-protected areas for student-specific and parentspecificinformation as a means of communication for the greater SHScommunity. During the course of a school year, the school will publishtext and/or images to all areas of the website that positively reflect SHS bycelebrating the activities and/or members of the school community, morespecifically the student body. To preserve the safety and privacy of studentsassociated with the published material, photographs and student names willnever appear together on our website. If the parent/guardian DOES NOT wishhis/her child(ren) to appear on the website as part of the normal posting of textand images of school events and activities, those parents should notify the officein writing, before the start of school.ATHLETICS HANDBOOKThis handbook has been prepared to assist parents and students in grades 4-8understanding essential information about the sports program offered at SacredHeart. Athletics is an important part of the total educational process, and thisHandbook describes both the philosophy and practice of the program.POLICYDevelopment of the whole child is at the core of the values of a Sacred Hearteducation. Athletics at SHS are an integral part of the daily life of the school,and are designed to complement the work that takes place in the classroom.Competitive after school sports begin in the fourth grade. Participation isvoluntary and encouraged. The athletic department supports a no-cut policy,and additional teams will be added each season if numbers warrant. The goal ofeach team is for children to enjoy themselves while developing appropriate skillsand learning the rules of the game.The Athletic program at SHS provides:• An opportunity for each student in grades 4-8 to be a member of anorganized team and to play at a level that is consistent with his/her abilities.• An opportunity for all students to enjoy athletics and the benefits ofworking together as a team.• An opportunity for each student to fulfill the obligations of his/her team,including attendance at all practices and games.• An opportunity for each player to build self-esteem, show respect forteammates, opponents, coaches and officials, and to compete in a mannerconsistent with Christian teachings and beliefs.• An opportunity to use athletics as a means of furthering school and teamspirit.• Opportunities for parents to enjoy seeing their children compete in a teamenvironment.TEAM SPORTSSacred Heart participates in the WBAL (West Bay Athletic League).Current members including SHS are:Castilleja (Palo Alto) (Girls only) Girls Middle School (Palo Alto)Keys School (Palo Alto) Harker School (San Jose)Menlo School (Atherton) The Kings Academy (Sunnyvale)Pinewood (Los Altos) Woodside Priory (Portola Valley)Crystal Springs Uplands (Hillsborough) St. Matthew’s (San Mateo)Eastside Prep (East Palo Alto)Team sports are open to all boys and girls grades 5-8, with the exceptionof basketball which begins in grade four. In addition, fourth graders mayparticipate in tennis and cross country.46 47

The seasons for boys and girls are:BOYS SPORTSSport Season Game DaysFlag Football Sept-Mid Oct Weekdays, SaturdaysLeague Swim Meet (6-8) Mid OctoberLeague X-Country Meet (4-8) Late OctoberBasketball Mid Oct-Jan (Varsity) Weekdays, SaturdaysMid Oct-Dec (JV) SundaysSoccer Feb-Mid March WeekdaysBaseball Mid-March-May Weekdays, SundaysTennis April-Mid May WeekdaysWater Polo (6-8) April-Mid May SaturdaysGIRLS SPORTSSport Season Game DaysSoftball Sept-Mid Oct WeekdaysLeague Swim Meet (6-8) Mid OctoberLeague X-Country Meet (4-8) Late OctoberSoccer Mid-Oct-Mid Dec WeekdaysBasketball Jan-March Weekdays, WeekendsVolleyball April-May WeekdaysTennis April-Mid May WeekdaysWater Polo (6-8) April-Mid May SaturdaysADDITIONAL ACTIVITIESSwim Meet: A league swim meet is held in October for grades 6-8. This isa one-day event. There is no limit as to the number of swimmers who mayparticipate. A student in grade 4 or 5 with swimming experience may enterwith the knowledge that they will be swimming against older competitors.Track Meet: A league track meet is held during the first part of May. This is atwo-day event held on a Friday and Saturday. Students in grades 4-8 qualify forthe running events as a result of their track work in PE class. All running eventsare limited to three students from each school. Students who have the top timesin these events (as determined in PE class) will be chosen to compete. Anystudent who is not participating in a running event may enter the long jumpand/or softball throw, as these events are unlimited. Qualifying for the topthree spots in any of the running events requires a commitment to run in thoseevents. Students know well in advance the dates of the track meet and may notcancel out at the last minute except for injury or family emergency.In addition to the league track meet, SHS will host or participate in one or twopractice meets in which any athlete may run.Cross-Country Meet: A league cross country meet is held in late Octoberfor grades 4-8. There is no limit as to the number of runners that may enter.In addition to the league cross country meet there may be a few smaller meetsleading up to the league championship.LEVEL OF COMPETITIONStudents participate in either the Junior Varsity or Varsity division. The JuniorVarsity division is made up of students in grades 4-6; Varsity is made up ofstudents in grades 7-8. In most sports the Junior Varsity and Varsity divisionsare broken down into A or B levels of competition, and there is a JuniorVarsity C division for 4th grade boys and girls basketball only. For example, inbasketball, there are Varsity A, Varsity B, Junior Varsity A, Junior Varsity B andJunior Varsity C divisions. If there are not enough teams to have a separate Bdivision, there will be one Junior Varsity A or one Varsity A level only.Varsity or Junior Varsity A DivisionThe A level of competition is for athletes who have demonstrated a high levelof skill and performance. This division is extremely competitive. Coaches willdo their best to give each member playing time in each game, but there is norequirement as to the amount of playing time each member must have.Varsity or Junior Varsity B DivisionThe B level of competition is for athletes whose skills may need furtherdevelopment. The emphasis in this division is on participation. Every teammember will receive some playing time, as long as he or she has made acommitment to the team. Games are still competitive at this level, but there isless emphasis on winning and more emphasis on developing the athletes’ skillsand increasing their interest in the sport.Junior Varsity C DivisionThis level is only for fourth grade girls and boys basketball. It is an all fourthgrade division and has the same philosophy as the B level of competition. In theevent that some Junior Varsity B teams in sports other than basketball do nothave enough players to make a full squad, fourth graders may be asked to play.48 49

SHS encourages all students to participate in athletics. The three levels ofcompetition afford an opportunity to meet the needs of each individual athlete.Every student will be placed on a team; there will be no cuts. All efforts will bemade to keep the size of the team at a manageable level.TEAM SELECTIONWithin each division, SHS may have one or several teams depending on thenumber of students who participate.Team selection is based on four factors:• 2-3 practices (try-outs) before the start of the season.• Performance in physical education class in relation to that particular sport.• Performance on teams in previous years.• Outside camp/league experience.The Athletic Director, the physical education teacher, and the individualcoaches select players jointly. This selection process is also described in thesections for each individual sport. Teams may be created either by single gradelevel or by mixed grade levels. While grade level teams obviously provideopportunities to strengthen relationships among peers, mixed grade level teamsprovide a greater degree of interaction between players of different grades as wellas building strong friendships outside one’s own class. It also provides a strongcooperative learning experience. It is up to the Athletic Directors to decidewhich option best fits each group of athletes and an explanation of the reasonsfor the team selection will be given to players and parents at the beginning ofthe season.Boys Flag FootballVarsity: In most years the league provides for an A and B division. The VarsityA team will be made up of the top 12-14 athletes in grades 7-8 athletes whohave demonstrated a high level of skill and performance. The remainingathletes will comprise the Varsity B team. We will usually have one Varsity Bteam consisting of 16-24 players.Junior Varsity: The Junior Varsity provides for a JV-A and JV-B Division.There is an all-5th grade team to compete in the JV-B division, and an all-6thgrade team to compete in the JV-A division.Girls SoftballVarsity: The Varsity A team consists of the top 10-14 athletes in the 7-8 gradewho have demonstrated a high level of skill and performance. The remainingathletes will comprise the Varsity B team.Junior Varsity: The league provides for a JV-A and JV-B division. The JV-Adivision will be 6th graders, and the JV-B will be 5th graders. If there areenough girls, we will field two teams for each division and the teams will bedivided evenly.Boys/Girls BasketballVarsity: The league provides for both a Varsity A and Varsity B divisions. TheAthletic Director and the coaching staff will choose the top 8-10 athletes ingrades 7-8 who have demonstrated a high level of skill and performance to formthe Varsity A team. The remaining players will be divided as evenly as possibleto form as many Varsity B teams as necessary. Try-outs will be held in mid-October for the boys and mid-November for the girls. Serious considerationis given to team chemistry, players’ positions, as well as preparation for thefollowing year’s teams. The Athletic Directors and the coaches involved willmake these final decisions, and will communicate these decisions to the playersand their parents.Note: The boys’ Varsity A season runs from mid-October through the end ofJanuary, and there are a number of tournaments along with the league schedule.The team is entered in the St. Nicholas Tournament in January, which requiresthe players to house a member of one of the visiting teams for the weekend.Note: The girls’ Varsity A team will play in additional tournaments beyondleague play.Junior Varsity: The league provides for Junior Varsity A, B, and C divisions.The top 8-10 athletes from grades 5-6 who have demonstrated a high level ofskill and performance will be chosen to form the JVA team. The remainingfifth and sixth graders will be chosen to form the teams to represent the Bdivision. The fourth graders will be divided as evenly as possible to form asmany teams as needed to represent the C division.Boys/Girls SoccerVarsity: The league sponsors A and B divisions in soccer. The Athletic Directorand the coaching staff will choose the top 12-15 student athletes in grades7-8 who have demonstrated a high level of skill and performance to form theVarsity A team. The remainder of the players will play on the B team. If thereare enough players to sponsor two B teams, they will be divided equally.Junior Varsity: The Athletic Director and the coaching staff will choose thetop 12-15 student athletes who have demonstrated a high level of skill and50 51

performance to form the Varsity A team. The remainder of the players will playon the B team. If there are enough players to sponsor two B teams, they will bedivided evenly.Note: Because soccer requires an 11-player squad, it can be necessary to createteams that have as many as 18-22 players. When this occurs the coaches will dotheir best to give all players as much playing time as possible.Boys BaseballVarsity: The league usually sponsors only an A division, so one Varsity divisionis created. The Athletic Director and the coaching staff will choose the top11-13 student athletes in grades 7-8 who have demonstrated a high level ofskill and performance to play on the Varsity A-1 team. The remainder of theplayers will play on the Varsity A-2 team, which gives those players - whomight otherwise have limited playing time - a chance to play significantly moreinnings and thus improve their skills.Junior Varsity: The league sponsors A and B divisions at this level. TheAthletic Director and the coaching staff will choose the top 11-13 players whohave demonstrated a high level of skill and performance to play on the A team,and the remainder of the players are divided as evenly as possible to play on theB teams.Girls VolleyballVarsity: The girls will have one Varsity A team. This team usually consists ofthe top 7-9 student athletes in grades 7-8. The Varsity B level will consist ofas many as 5 teams (we keep the team numbers down to 7-9 on a team.) Theremaining players will be divided up as evenly as possible.Junior Varsity: The Athletic Director and the coaching staff will choose thetop 7-9 student athletes in grade 6 who have demonstrated a high level of skilland performance to play on the JV-A team. The remainder of the sixth graderswill play in the all-6th grade JV-B North division, and the fifth graders willparticipate in the JV-B South division. Teams in both divisions will be dividedevenly to form as many teams as needed.Coed TennisThe tennis team is open to boys and girls in grades 4-8. Players participate in aninitial tryout to determine level of ability. They are placed on either the JuniorVarsity or Varsity Teams. Fourth and fifth graders are eligible to play on theVarsity depending on their ability. The league plays four singles and five doublesper match plus some practice matches. Usually 20 players play per match.Matches are played during the week, but not all players participate in everymatch. The coaches determine the lineups before each match.NOTE: During the spring sports male athletes must choose between baseballor tennis and female athletes between volleyball or tennis. No athlete may playtwo spring sports. Students may, however, participate in the water polo leagueand play tennis or baseball or volleyball.Coed Water PoloFor student athletes in grades 6-8, there will be a six-week program gearedtowards players of all levels. The practice and time commitment are designedto permit students to participate in water polo and the spring sport. The seasonwill last six weeks with two practices a week and three Saturday tournaments.GAMES AND PRACTICESPE teachers conduct sign-ups prior to the beginning of that sport. Sign-upsfor the fall sports will be done before the school is dismissed in June, and newfamilies will receive information in the June mailing. Signing up for a sport atSHS means that the students, as well as their parents, have made a commitmentto that sport and are expected to make every effort possible to fulfill the teamobligations. Game schedules will be provided for the students and parentsimmediately upon completion by the league. All efforts will be made toadhere to these schedules, but due to the number of teams and gym/fieldavailability schedule changes may be necessary. Additional practice games andtournaments may be added to the schedule. Coaches will make every effort toadhere to these schedules. If a coach is sick or has an unexpected emergency, allefforts will be made to get a substitute coach for that day. If games or practicesare affected by weather conditions, parents may call the athletic directors after1:00 p.m. to find out if events are canceled.COMMITMENTWhen a student joins a team, he/she has the responsibility to his/her teammatesand to the school to play that sport for the entire season. Quitting a teamfor reasons other than serious academic difficulty or medical complications isunacceptable and very disruptive to the team. Players who miss an excessivenumber of games or practices or who have discipline problems may be subjectto removal from the team. The students are expected to see their coaches orthe appropriate Athletic Director before missing a practice or game; telling afriend is not acceptable. A student who does not attend a game and has notgiven prior notice immediately will be suspended for one game (unless illnessor family emergency precluded him/her from doing so). Failure to attend a52 53

second game without written notice shall result in dismissal from the team.These conditions are intended to teach the students to be responsible and tocommunicate.We encourage students to participate in off-campus sports or activities.However, a commitment to an SHS sport takes precedence over other outsideactivities. Parents will have to talk seriously with their child before the seasonto determine if participating in more than one activity is possible. The AthleticDirector can usually help determine what can and cannot be done.PLAYER CONDUCTSportsmanship is of utmost importance to the SHS Athletics Program, forboth the PE classes and the After School teams. Emphasis is placed on respectof teammates, coaches, referees, and the opposing team. SHS prides itself onbeing the team to set the example for proper behavior with our opponents. Atgame time, fair and honest play will be expected and any decision made by thereferee or umpire should be accepted, even if the player disagrees with the call.The students are taught that referees are human and that mistakes will be made.After a game, regardless of the outcome, opposing team members should becongratulated on a game well played.PARENT CONDUCTParents must conduct themselves in a supportive manner during practices andgames. A parent may not agree with a call made by an official or a decisionmade by a coach, but still must remember that these individuals are, in allfairness, trying to do the best job possible. An unruly or complaining parentis an embarrassment to the team and the school. Inappropriate behavior mayresult in the team being penalized, or that particular parent may be ejectedfrom the game. The league’s behavior policy is very firm, and action will betaken against unruly parents. Sacred Heart is a strong supporter of this policy,and is proud that our parents generally have been very supportive so that theirattendance at games is both encouraged and welcomed. If parents have issueswith coaches, referees, etc., they must make an appointment with the coach orAthletic Director to discuss the matter. Approaching a coach after a game is notappropriate.• Parent must volunteer at least once a year to be a “team parent”.• Team parents should fulfill team duties such as bringing snacks, workingthe snack shack at games, helping with the scorekeeping duties, andsupporting the Booster Club when asked for help.• Parents are responsible for maintaining a positive attitude in the stands oron the sidelines.• Parents should read the team rules with their student athletes and helpthem understand the commitment involved.• When an issue arises, parents should contact the athletic staff throughe-mail or phone. Athletic events and practices are not the time for theathletic staff to discuss issues; it is a time for the focus to be fon the studentathletes.BOOSTER CLUBThe Booster Club provides support and service to the Athletic Department.The Booster Club coordinates the team parents for each boys and girls sport,and works with the Athletic Department to maintain and staff both snack bars.Parents are expected to be a “team parent” for one of their child’s teams at leastonce a year. A Booster Club representative will call parents for their volunteerassignment. The Booster Club also helps coordinate a number of fundraisingactivities as well as the year-end Sports Celebration Night.POSITIVE COACHING ALLIANCE (PCA)Sacred Heart is a member of the Positive Coaching Alliance. PCA is a nonprofitorganization that helps coaches, parents, and players develop a positiveattitude when playing for or coaching a team, or when watching from thestands. At least one parent must attend a PCA workshop before their childcan participate in after-school athletics. The workshop is given in Septemberin conjunction with the Athletics Information night. All coaches andadministrators must also attend a workshop.TRANSPORTATIONParents must provide transportation to and from games. We recommend thatparents who are unable to attend an event should have their child carpool withanother family. Directions to all of the sites are provided on our website.Parent Expectations• All 4th grade parents and new parents to the school must attend the SportsInformation/Positive Coaching Alliance Workshop held in September. Thisis required for participation in our athletic program.• Parents must make sure students attend all practices and games, and shouldcommunicate with the athletic staff in a timely manner when absences needto occur.UNIFORMSUniforms are distributed at the beginning of the season. Athletes are heldaccountable for the return of a clean uniform at the end of the season.54 55

WEB SITEThe Athletics page can be found by going to the school Web site. The Athleticspage contains game and practice information for all teams currently playing.The weekly practice schedule page lists practice times and any changes thatoccur. This site also includes important forms and flyers relevant to Athleticprograms and events. Snack bar/snack shack duties will be listed for parents aswell as instructions for running these concessions.AWARDSThere will be a Sports Celebration Night ceremony held in the evening at theend of the school year to recognize the hard work of all athletes and coaches.Every athlete will receive a pin for each team sport in which he/she participated.League championship teams will also be recognized. In addition, there will beseveral special awards presented:• Sportsmanship Awards (Grades 5-8)The Sportsmanship Award recognizes one male and one female athleteper grade level who have demonstrated excellent effort, positive attitude,dedication to their teams, respect for coaches and officials, and a truedesire to improve their skills. These are student athletes who embody theSHS philosophy and serve as a model for their peers. Students who haveparticipated in at least three sports during that school year are eligible forthis award.• Track Athlete of the Year (4th-8th)The top male and female athlete (those receiving the most points in theleague track meet) for each grade level (4-8) will receive a plaque. Also, theoverall top male and female track athlete (as determined by total points) willreceive the Track Athlete of the Year award.• Four Sport Award (8th Grade Only)This award recognizes those students who have shown a passion for athleticsby participating in four team sports during their 6th, 7th, and 8th gradeyears.• Gator Athlete of the Year (8th Grade Only)This award recognizes one male and one female athlete who have exhibitedboth exceptional skills and exceptional sportsmanship in team sports andSHS. Students who have participated in at least three sports during the 6th,7th, and 8th grades are eligible to receive this award.• Virginia Lochtefeld Sportsmanship Award/Kevin EaglesonSportsmanship Award (8th Grade Only)These awards recognize one female and one male athlete who havedemonstrated outstanding sportsmanship during their time at SHS.Students who have participated in at least three sports during their 6th, 7thand 8th grade years are eligible for this award.COACHESThe appropriate Athletic Director chooses team coaches. They are chosen fromthe faculty, staff, and other outside sources (e.g., high school/college students).Parents occasionally may be asked to help or fill in. When high school studentsare hired as coaches, the Athletic Directors will assist them during the season.Parents who have coaching experience and wish to commit to coaching the fullseason will need to interview with the Athletic Directors. All coaches mustattend a PCA workshop to qualify for the position.Coaches must make a commitment to the philosophy of Sacred Hearteducation and to the Athletics Program in particular. The coaches must committhemselves to their leadership role in the areas of sportsmanship, fair play, andappropriate conduct on and off the playing surface. The appropriate AthleticDirector will continually evaluate a coach’s performance based on the way he/she interacts with the athletes, the parents, the opposing team, and the officials.Parents and students have the opportunity to evaluate coaches at the end ofeach season using forms provided by the Positive Coaching Alliance. Theevaluations are read by the Principal, the appropriate Athletic Director and theLower and Middle School Deans, and are taken into serious consideration whenrehiring coaches.SHS ATHLETIC RULES• Players are not to argue with coaches, referees or officials.• Players are not to use improper language as this reflects negatively on SHS,their team, and themselves.• Players are to attend practices and games unless excused by the coach orAthletic Director.• All absences must be communicated by the parent or guardian to theappropriate Athletic Director. Detention, babysitting, parties, etc., are notexcused absences.• Any player who misses an excessive number of practices or games is subjectto removal from the team.56 57

• All players suffering from minor illnesses while in school, such as colds,etc. must still attend practices even though they may be excluded fromstrenuous activity.• Participation in an athletic event held during the week requires attendanceat school for at least one-half day. Absences on Friday do not affect weekendgames.ATHLETIC DIRECTORSThe Athletic Directors at SHS will coordinate all aspects of athletics in theSJCAL, with which SHS is affiliated. They are to work with all personnel inmaintaining a quality program within the framework of the Sacred Heart Goalsand Criteria. Their duties include:• Recruit, train, supervise and evaluate coaches.• Represent SHS at league meetings.• Manage all parent and student communication.• Supervise grades 1-8 physical education program.• Provide extra help when needed for the PE programs.• Coordinate with the Booster Club on fundraising events and otheractivities.• Enforce all Athletic rules of the school and of the leagues.Athletic Director (Boys):Athletic Director (Girls):Jeff ReynoldsSue McDonald58 59