… Catholic offers a small class size conducive for closer teacher-student interaction, guidance and education.

BOARD POLICY

Mission, Philosophy and Goals

The mission, philosophy and goals of the Springfield Catholic School System will be reviewed and approved by the Springfield Catholic School Board every 5 years, or more frequently at the Board’s request. These documents are to guide practice at Springfield Catholic Schools and shall be the criteria by which practice is evaluated.

Class Size

Guidelines shall be established to limit class size in accordance with accreditation guidelines, student needs, and fiscal considerations.

Guidelines for Class Size

Guidelines Statement

After pre-registration, the student to teacher ratio will determine staffing needs. These guidelines should be followed:
High School

If, after pre-registration, the aggregate student to teacher ratio of the school creates deficit spending, scheduling and/or staffing should be adjusted in order to return the ratio to or above break-even level.

Elementary

Elementary classrooms should not exceed a student to teacher ratio of thirty (30) students to one teacher.
If, after pre-registration, the total enrollment in two adjacent elementary grade levels (i.e.; K-1, 2-3, 6-7, etc.) is fewer than thirty (30), students in those two classes should be re-grouped and scheduling and/or staffing should be adjusted.

Elementary Support Staff Class Size Guidelines

A full-time Aide will be provided in any all-day Kindergarten classroom with twenty-one (21) or more students.
A full-time Aide will be provided in a traditionally structured, single-age first or second grade classroom with twenty-five (25) or more students.
A part-time Aide will be provided in a traditionally structured, single-age third grade classroom with twenty-five (25) or more students.
A full-time Aide will be provided for regrouped classrooms for grades K-3 with twenty-one (21) or more students.
A full-time Aide will be provided for regrouped classrooms for grades 4-8 with twenty-five (25) or more students.

Lenten Policy

Lent is a special time of sacrifice, spiritual renewal, and penance. During the Lenten season, activities, which reflect this most beautiful and important time, shall take precedence over other activities.

Regular Board Meeting

The Springfield Catholic School Board meets the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM at Springfield Catholic High School. The regular business meetings are open to the public. Special agenda items presented by persons other than Springfield Catholic School Board members shall be submitted to the Springfield Catholic School Board President, in writing, through the Central Office, at least ten days prior to the monthly meeting and may be considered for inclusion on the agenda. A time, not to exceed twenty minutes, may be allotted in the agenda for persons to address the Springfield Catholic School Board on any issue related to the role and function of the Springfield Catholic School Board. The Springfield Catholic School Board may ask questions for purposes of clarification. In general, the Springfield Catholic School Board will take questions and concerns under advisement.

Board Agenda

The agenda, with pertinent attachments shall be made available in each school one week prior to the Springfield Catholic School Board meetings. The approved minutes will be available on the Springfield Catholic Schools website. Agendas and minutes shall be sent to those individuals noted in Article VII, Section A, 1-4, of the Constitution.

Board Policies

Springfield Catholic School Board policies and guidelines and an index to them will be made available to parents, students and employees on the Springfield Catholic School system web-site. As new policies are developed, or existing policies are revised, the web-site will be updated. An up-todate hard copy will be made available at each school site and at the Central Office.

Annual Report

The Springfield Catholic School Board, through the Finance Committee, shall prepare and publish a report on the financial condition of the school and the financial operation of the schools for the preceding school year.

Fiscal Responsibility

The Finance Committee shall submit a balanced budget to the Springfield Catholic School Board for consideration and approval. The Springfield Catholic School Board, through its Finance Committee, shall monitor finances.

Board Elgibility of Employees or their Immediate Families

Employees or immediate family members of employees of Springfield Catholic Schools may not be elected or appointed to the Springfield Catholic School Board. The list of immediate family members, for the purpose of this policy only, includes husband, wife, son, daughter, mother, father, siblings and all in-laws.

If a current Board member becomes an employee of Springfield Catholic Schools then that Board member’s term will end on the day he/she signs the contract or accepts employment.

If an immediate family member of a current Board member accepts employment as a contracted employee, then the School Board member’s term will end immediately.

If an immediate family member of a current Board member accepts employment as an “at will” employee, then the School Board member’s term will be terminated at the end of the school year.

Board Policy Review

The Springfield Catholic School Board will systematically review policies in an effort to maximize their effectiveness. A cycle for review will be established and reported in Guidelines for Board Policy Review 3.27A.

Guidelines for Board Policy Review

The School Board will direct the Policy Committee to review the existing School Board policies using the following schedule:
Year 1 (2007-08) sections 1.10 and 1.20
Year 2 (2008-09) sections 1.30 and 1.40
Year 3 (2009-10) sections 2.10 and 2.20
Year 4 (2010-11) sections 3.10 and 3.20
Year 5 (2011-12) sections 2.30, 3.40, and 3.50

Following Year 5, the rotation will begin again using Year 1 in 2012-13 and will proceed through the next five-year cycle.

Gifts to the School System

When a gift in excess of $10,000 is offered to an individual school or to the school system for a specific item or project, School Board approval to accept the gift must be obtained. If there are ongoing costs associated with the item or project, those costs should be disclosed to the Board before approval is obtained.

If additional funds need to be generated either to purchase the item or to complete the project, the donor and the school office personnel will develop a written agreement outlining how funds will be generated and how they will be used.

Chief Spokesperson

The Director of Springfield Catholic Schools is designated as the Chief Public Relations spokesperson for Springfield Catholic Schools. Any matters relating to the Springfield Catholic School Board, personnel, students or parents should be directed to the Director of Springfield Catholic Schools with the exception of the following:
Routine sports stories and game scores. These are best handled by the coach or athletic director;
Clarification of questions relating to a press release;
Coverage of an event in progress (e.g. graduation, field day, and the like).

Sanctioning of New Extra-Curricular Activities

When an individual or group expresses an interest in initiating a new extra-curricular activity or organization in one of the Springfield Catholic Schools, established guidelines must be followed. These guidelines, at a minimum, must contain the following elements:
1. A long-range plan identifying the targeted group of students and expected impact on existing programs;
2. A proposed budget or financial feasibility study, clearly describing where funding, if necessary, will come from;
3. A proposed building/space use plan. (Pastor input is required if the use of a parish facility will be needed);
4. A recommendation from the Administrative team with final approval or denial to be decided by the Springfield Catholic School Board. (see 3.41A Guidelines for New Extra-Curricular Activities or School-Sponsored Organization)

Guidelines for New Extra-Curricular Activities or School-Sponsored Organization

The interested group or individual should use the following guidelines to initiate discussion and to develop a proposal:

The interested individual or representative of a group will initiate a discussion with the building administrator to explain their proposal and give a brief overview.
The administrator will share the proposal with the administrative team (the building principals and the Director of Springfield Catholic Schools) at the next scheduled principal’s meeting. The team will determine whether the suggested activity or organization initially meets the standards of our Catholic School Mission statement. The administrative team either grants or denies approval for the individual or group to develop a plan and will communicate their decision to the group making the proposal.
Upon granting approval to develop a plan, the administrator will provide the group or individual with guidelines (see 3.41A Guidelines for New Extra-Curricular Activities or School-Sponsored Organization), which are to be used to develop their proposal (see 3.41B Guidelines for Developing a Proposal Plan).
The group or individual will present the plan to the administrative team.
The administrative team will review the proposal and its impact on the schools activities and budget. The team should seek in-put from other existing groups or organizations that could be impacted by the decision.
When the team has reached consensus, they will communicate their initial decision to the group making the proposal. Either party may then ask that the proposal be placed on the agenda of the next regularly scheduled School Board Meeting, where the administrative team will make their recommendation to the Board members and the interested group will make their proposal.
The Board’s decision to approve or deny the proposal will be communicated to the group or individual within one week after reaching their decision.

Guidelines for Developing a Proposal Plan

The group or individual’s PLAN should include the following:

A Case for Support which includes statements that:

Identify the audience targeted
Describe the perceived need for the program based on real data (collected through survey or other approved means)
Address the long-range effect on existing programs and how this proposed new program will impact them (see item #1 in Policy 3.41)

the number of participants for existing program
revenues generated by existing programs
staffing needed to institute the new program
travel expenses and requirements including distance required to travel
bussing needs
addresses the need to offer additional programs if the proposal is gender specific

d. Identify the goals and objectives of the organization or activity
e. Define the philosophy or mission of the organization or activity
f. Use information from comparable schools to support the proposal

A proposed building/space use plan with approval of the pastor if necessary (see item #3 in Policy 3.41)
A proposed budget or financial plan for implementing the organization or activity for a period of approximately five years (see item #2 in Policy 3.41)
Recommendation for sponsorship
Plan for evaluation or review of the activity or organization

School Bus Usage

Springfield Catholic School System will comply with all federal, state and local laws regarding school bus usage when using and/or operating school buses. These laws and regulations will be outlined in accompanying guidelines (see 3.42A Guidelines for Use/Operation of Springfield Catholic School Buses). School buses are considered school property; therefore all Springfield Catholic School System policies and regulations will also be enforced during the use or operation of the school system’s buses.

Guidelines For Use/Operation of Springfield Catholic School Buses

1. All buses will be registered annually.
2. All drivers (operators) will be licensed according to state licensing regulations.
3. All drivers, hired or volunteers, will be tested for drug, alcohol and chemical usage following state mandates.
4. Drivers of SCS buses will be familiar with and abide by regulations for safe operation of a school bus as outlined in Chapter 304 of the School Transportation Administrator’s Handbook provided by MoDESE. These regulations will be provided for drivers prior to their first trip.
5. When transporting students, the driver will be responsible for making certain that there are no standees on the bus and that all passengers can be seated in such a way that the back of each passenger can come into contact with the seat back. No more than two students per seat will be allowed for students in grades 5-12; three students per seat can be allowed for students in grades PS-4, however, the driver assumes responsibility for insuring that the backs of these passengers can come into contact with the seat back.
6. Any accident must be reported in written form within 48 hours of the accident regardless of the severity of the accident.
7. Buses will be inspected annually by a licensed mechanic prior to the beginning of the school year.
8. The driver will be responsible for reviewing bus safety tips with the passengers before embarking on the trip. These tips will be provided on a laminated card in each bus and should be read to the passengers before the trip commences.
9. The SCS will carry full liability and property damage insurance as directed by the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau.
10. Drivers must have access to a cell phone, either provided by the school or available from one of the passengers, before embarking on a trip outside the city limits.
11. When the bus is traveling outside the city limits of Springfield, the anticipated route which the bus will take to reach its destination will be shared with appropriate personnel.
12. Drivers should conduct a pre-trip inspection of the bus, as outlined in the driver’s manual located in the bus, before embarking on the trip and should log into the transportation log, located in the bus, before leaving the parking lot to begin the trip.

Transportation of Students

Springfield Catholic Schools will take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of students when the school arranges transportation for educational field trips, athletic events, and other offcampus, school related activities. When the schools use bus transportation it will be an insured carrier. In cases where the school system’s buses are used, the policy and guidelines formulated in policy 3.42 and 3.42A will be followed. If private passenger vehicles must be used, all regulations outlined in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau Policies, Guidelines and Procedures Manual with regard to field trips and transportation of students will be followed. The schools will further comply with Missouri Statute 307.182 which indicates that every person in the private vehicle must wear a seat belt or use an appropriate passenger restraint system.

Emergency Shelter

The Springfield Catholic High School facility may be used as an Emergency Disaster Center in the event of a catastrophic event, natural or otherwise. The agency requesting the use of the facility shall provide necessary personnel, shall assume liability for any incident while using the facility, and should agree to return the use of the facility to Springfield Catholic High School in a reasonable time frame and in acceptable physical condition, as determined concurrent with the beginning of its use.

Tobacco Free Zone

All school buildings and sporting venues of Springfield Catholic Schools shall be tobacco free during school hours and all school related functions.

Harassment Policy

The Springfield Catholic Schools will comply with all Diocesan policies and guidelines regarding any form of harassment. These policies and guidelines are kept on file in each school and are available for all employees, students and parents review upon request.

Copyright Policy

Springfield Catholic School employees are required to follow all copyright laws.

Special Events Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage will be required for any non-school sponsored activity taking place at property owned by Springfield Catholic Schools. The purchase of this insurance must be arranged through the building administrator of said property.

Endowment Fund

Springfield Catholic Schools will maintain an Endowment Fund. This fund will be governed by a set of by-laws, with committee oversight.

Wellness Policy

The Springfield Catholic School System promotes healthy schools by supporting wellness, good nutrition, and regular physical activity as a part of the total learning environment. Springfield Catholic Schools will adhere to a set of wellness guidelines (see 3.57A and 3.57B) which incorporates the following goals:

Provide a learning environment for developing and practicing lifelong wellness behaviors.
Support and promote proper dietary habits contributing to students’ and staffs’ health status, job performance and academic performance.
Provide adequate time for students to engage in physical activity.
Promote academic success by acknowledging and embracing the critical role that health plays in academic performance.

Wellness Guidelines

Guidelines Statement

The belief that children and youth who are healthy individuals can learn more and can learn better and the belief that healthy staff members can more effectively perform their assigned duties as well as model appropriate wellness behaviors for students comprise the twofold foundation upon which the following guidelines have been built.

Hot Lunch/Breakfast Program

The full meal program will continue to follow the U.S. Government’s Nutrition Standards.
The Hot Lunch/Breakfast provider will be expected to make every effort to follow the School System’s Nutrition Standards (see 3.57B Springfield Catholic Schools’ Nutrition Standards).
A la carte items that do not meet the System’s standards may be acceptable for student consumption within moderation which could include limiting the quantity sold to an individual student.
A la carte items that do not meet the System’s standards may be acceptable when offered on an intermittent basis.

Lunchroom Climate

A lunchroom environment that provides students with a relaxed, enjoyable climate should be developed.
It is encouraged that the lunchroom environment be a place where students have adequate space to eat and a pleasant surrounding, adequate time for meals, and convenient access to hand-washing facilities before meals.

Fundraising

All fundraising projects are encouraged to follow the System’s Nutrition Standards.
All fundraising projects for sale and consumption within and prior to the school day will be expected to make every effort to follow the System’s Nutrition Standards when determining the items being sold.
Items being sold that do not meet the System’s Nutrition Standards may be acceptable for student consumption within moderation.
Items being sold that do not meet the System’s Nutrition Standards may be acceptable when offered on an intermittent basis.

Teacher To Student Incentives

Strong consideration should be given to nonfood items as part of any teacher-to-student incentive program.
Should teachers feel compelled to utilize food items as an incentive, they are encouraged to adhere to the System’s Nutrition Standards.

Student Nutrition Education

All instructional staff will be encouraged to integrate nutritional themes into daily lessons when appropriate. The benefits of good nutrition should be emphasized. Nutritional themes could include but are not limited to knowledge of food guide pyramid, healthy heart choices, sources and variety of foods, guide to a healthy diet, diet and disease, understanding calories, healthy snacks, food labels, serving size, proper sanitation, identify and limit junk foods, etc.
The System’s Wellness Policy reinforces nutrition education to help students practice these themes in a supportive school environment.

Parent Nutrition Education

Nutrition education will be provided to parents beginning at the elementary level and continuing throughout the middle and high school years.
Nutrition education may be provided in the form of handouts, postings on the system’s website, or presentations that focus on nutritional value and healthy lifestyles.

SCS Nutrition Committee

A system-wide nutrition committee will be established for the purpose of monitoring the implementation of this policy, evaluating policy progress, serving as a resource to school sites, and revising the policy as necessary.
The committee will meet annually.
The committee’s membership will include a food service representative, the school nurse, an administrator, and a physical education staff member.

Health Education and Life Skills

Healthy living skills shall be taught as part of the regular instructional program and provides the opportunity for all students to understand and practice concepts and skills related to health promotion and disease prevention.

Physical Education and Activity

Physical education shall be taught by a certified specialist.
Physical activity shall be provided by a qualified staff member.
Physical education and physical activity shall be an essential element of each school’s instructional program.
The physical education program shall be designed to stress physical fitness and encourage healthy, active lifestyles.
The physical education program shall consist of physical activities of at least moderate intensity and for a duration that is sufficient to provide a significant health benefit to students, subject to the differing abilities of students.
The program shall provide the opportunity for all students to develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to participate in a lifetime of healthful physical

Healthy and Safe Environment

A healthy and safe environment for all, before, during and after school supports academic success. Safe communities promote healthy students and healthy students do better in school and make greater contributions to their community. Therefore, every effort will be made to insure that school buildings and grounds, structures, buses and equipment shall meet all current health and safety standards, and will be kept, inviting, clean, safe and in good repair.

Social and Emotional Well-Being

Programs and services that support and value the social and emotional well-being of students, families and staff build a healthy school environment. Therefore, every effort will be made to enhance the social and emotional development of students through programs and services that are adopted or promoted.

The School Nurse

The school nurse will collaborate with community health liaisons and resources to promote health and wellness for students and staff.
A coordinated program of accessible health services shall be provided to students and staff.

Family, School, and Community Partnership

Schools will support the engagement of students, families and staff in community health enhancing activities and events at the school or throughout the community.

Staff Wellness

The school system shall provide information about wellness resources and services.
Each school site shall be in compliance with drug, alcohol and tobacco-free policies.
Each school site shall provide an accessible and productive work environment free from physical dangers or emotional threat that is as safe as possible and consistent with applicable occupation and health laws, policies and rules.
Employees shall be encouraged to engage in daily physical activity.

Food

Consideration should be given to applying nutrition guidelines provided by the USDA for any food item for sale before, during or after the school day.
Caution should be taken when providing any food item to students that might trigger an allergic reaction.
Encourage the consumption of nutrient dense foods, i.e. whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
It is recognized that there may be special occasions when Administration may allow a school group to deviate from these guidelines for food.

Beverages

Vending and non-vending sales of soda will not be available to students during the school day.
The sale of soda or artificially sweetened drinks will be permitted at those special school events that begin after the conclusion of the instructional day.
It is recognized that there may be special occasions when Administration may allow a school group to deviate from these guidelines for beverages.