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

STUDENT POLICY

Initial Admission

In recognition of the important role the parish has in fostering the full development of our youth, our admissions procedures require that our Catholic parents obtain written approval by the Pastor to complete the registration process.

Age of Admission

A child is to be three (3) years of age prior to Aug 1 to be eligible for admission to pre-school and five (5) years of age prior to Aug 1 to be eligible for admission to Kindergarten.

Priority for Admission

Priority for admission into Springfield Catholic Schools will be given to active Catholic families using the following criteria:

Catholic families of contracted employees of Springfield Catholic Schools
Catholic siblings of registered students of Springfield Catholic Schools or Catholic siblings of graduates of Springfield Catholic High School
In a parish where a school is located, Catholic families who are registered, active and reside within the boundaries of that parish
Catholic families in a subsidizing parish
Catholic children of Catholic graduates of Springfield Catholic High School
Catholic families from parishes that do not subsidize Springfield Catholic School
Catholic families not registered in a parish
Non-Catholic students

Tiebreakers:

Total number of years registered as an adult in one of the subsidizing parishes
Date the family registered in their parish

Enrollment will be frozen to students transferring from another school within thirty (30) miles of the Springfield city limits on the final day of the third quarter. Transfers between elementary schools will be made using the above criteria after Springfield Catholic Schools completes its annual pre-registration process.

Transfer Students

All transfer students in grades K-12 will be admitted on a probationary basis. (See 1.14A Transfer Student Policy Guidelines). Students who are currently enrolled in one of the Springfield Catholic Schools are not considered transfer students.

Transfer Student Policy Guidelines

The Transfer Student form will be completed prior to registration.
The administrator, coordinator of special services, guidance counselor and other appropriate personnel may contact the former school(s) regarding the student's educational history. Only students who are in good standing at their prior school will be considered for enrollment.
The administrator will conduct an interview with parent(s)/guardian(s) and student.
The administrator makes the decision regarding enrollment and placement.
Transfer students will be admitted on a probationary status for 90 attendance days starting with the first day of attendance. Anytime during the probationary period the administrator may:

remove the probationary status of the student,
extend the probationary status of the student,
dismiss the student from school.

Non-English speaking students will be treated as transfer students.

Tuition

Families registering or re-registering in Springfield Catholic Schools are entering into a contract with the school system to pay the tuition amounts as set forth in the tuition schedule for that school year. Reduced tuition, scholarships and any other special arrangements that adjust the amount of tuition owed from the approved tuition schedule will be determined before admittance. Special circumstances may occur during the school year that could require a change in the tuition agreement between the school and family, but such adjustments must be discussed with the Accounts Manager of the school system before a change is made.

All families will be required to provide the school with the completed application for the FACTS Tuition Management Agreement in order to complete the registration process, regardless of the choice of payment option made. Those families who choose to pay their tuition by using option one or option two will not have their FACTS application processed unless they fail to pay by the dates set forth in the tuition plan. (See policy 1.21A Tuition Collection)

Failure to pay tuition consistent with the agreed upon tuition contract will constitute a breach of the registration agreement and could result in the following:

The student(s) may be dismissed from the school system. Upon dismissal or if a family withdraws their student(s) from school, student records may be withheld, except in those instances where the school is required by law to provide such records, until tuition and fees are paid in full or arrangements for a payment plan are agreed upon and complied with.
Forwarding transcripts for the purpose of college entrance may be delayed and/or participation in graduation exercises may be denied unless tuition, fees, and all other outstanding debts to the school are paid in full or arrangements for a payment plan are agreed upon and complied with.
Consideration may be given to families who experience extenuating circumstances. Such families should contact the Accounts Manager at the Central Office to work out acceptable tuition agreements.

Guidelines for Tuition Collection

Springfield Catholic Schools provides three options for tuition payment for pre-school, elementary and high school students.

Option 1: Payment of all tuition by June 15th will result in a $30 discount to the family. No discounts for prepayment with a credit card.
Option 2: The two-payment option allows families to pay half the tuition by June 15th with the balance due by December 1st. Families choosing this option will receive a $10 discount with each payment. No discounts for prepayment with a credit card.
Option 3: The Tuition Management Company (FACTS) will automatically make eleven monthly withdrawals for elementary and high school students and/or ten monthly withdrawals for pre-school students from the family’s bank account for tuition. The family can choose to have the withdrawals made on the 5th or 20th of each month. FACTS will charge a yearly fee for this service, which will be paid through a separate automatic withdrawal. If funds are not in the family’s bank account, FACTS charges a Missed Payment Fee and the bank may charge an Insufficient Funds Fee. FACTS will continue to make attempts to process tuition payments.

The Springfield Catholic Schools Central Office will notify the family of any tuition account overdue 30 days.

At the end of each quarter, family accounts will be reviewed and any family who has not fulfilled their existing tuition contract may not continue their education at Springfield Catholic Schools until satisfactory tuition arrangements are made.

Prorated Tuition

Students who enroll in Springfield Catholic Schools after the start of the academic year will be charged tuition which is calculated using a per diem rate. This per diem rate is determined by dividing the individual student’s annual tuition rate by the number of student attendance days.

Refund of Tuition

The FACTS fee is non-refundable.

If a student withdraws from the Springfield Catholic Schools by July 15, a complete refund of student tuition will be made.

If a student withdraws from the Springfield Catholic Schools between July 16 and the 5th (fifth) student attendance day of the academic year, 1/11th of the total charged for annual tuition is non-refundable.

After the 5th (fifth) student attendance day of the academic year, tuition refunds will be calculated using a per diem rate. This per diem rate is determined by dividing the individual student’s annual tuition rate by the number of student attendance days.

Attendance/Tardiness

Regular and punctual attendance is required of each student enrolled in the school system. A student who is truant from school or absent from school without a satisfactory excuse can be subject to disciplinary action by the school administrator. Attendance records will be maintained by the school for each student.

Tobacco, Alcohol, Illegal Drugs or Unauthorized Prescription Medications

All students of Springfield Catholic Schools are prohibited from using, possessing, or being under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or unauthorized prescription medications while on any Springfield Catholic School campus or at any school-related function or activity. Additionally, all students of Springfield Catholic Schools are prohibited from using or possessing tobacco products while on any Springfield Catholic School campus or at any school-related function or activity. Penalties will be in accordance with Springfield Catholic Schools and Diocesan guidelines.

Over the Counter Medication

Over the counter (OTC) medications may be given at school for a period of three (3) consecutive school days with written permission from the parent/guardian. After three (3) days the school will require the completion of the Springfield Catholic Schools Medication Administration form. Medication to be administered at school must be in the original container.

Possession of Weapons

In order to provide a safe environment, the possession of fire arms or weapons, including concealed weapons, by a person, student or adult, or in a vehicle, on the premises or property located, leased, or used by Springfield Catholic Schools is prohibited. This penalty shall not apply to duly authorized law enforcement or security officers. Penalties shall be in accordance with state and local law and Diocesan guidelines.

Code of Conduct for Extra-Curricular Activities

All students, grades 6-12 who participate in school-sponsored extra-curricular activities will be required to adhere to a code of conduct which reflects the philosophy of our Catholic school system. Sponsors of these activities will disseminate material (approved by an administrator) which outlines the expected behavior before the activity takes place or the extra-curricular season begins. Students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) will acknowledge their acceptance of this code of conduct before the student will be allowed to participate in the activity.

Student Use of Electronic Devices

Students are prohibited from using and/or having cell phones or other electronic communication devices turned on during the school day, unless otherwise directed by a teacher, administrator, coach or other authorized adult. This includes the lunch periods and passing periods, as well as on school sponsored trips. “Using” refers to not only the making and receiving of calls, but also refers to using the electronic communication devices for any other purpose.

Student Drug Testing

Springfield Catholic Schools will enforce a mandatory, random drug testing program for all students who attend Springfield Catholic High School. Established guidelines will be communicated to parents and students. Willingness to participate in this program is a condition of enrollment.

Guidlines for Student Drug Testing

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENT

Springfield Catholic High School recognizes that drug use is one of the most serious problems confronting our community. In an effort to protect the health and safety of its students from illegal drug use and abuse or injuries resulting from the use of drugs, thereby setting an example for all students, Springfield Catholic High School adopts Policy 1.38 - Student Drug Testing, and the following guidelines for drug testing both enrolled and newly enrolling students.

The mission of Springfield Catholic High School includes “providing a caring family environment where the Catholic Faith is taught and modeled.” Maintaining a drug-free environment is essential for accomplishing this mission. Our students must be kept safe from both illegal drug use and its consequences. Our school should present to the community a clear witness of our Catholic commitment to avoiding the use of drugs.

Our Catholic Faith also teaches compassion. The intent of the following guidelines, therefore, is not to punish but to encourage students to make the choice to be drug free. The intent is also to help those students who have made incorrect choices learn better choices for the future.

These guidelines provide a minimum of intrusion into the lives of the majority of students; provide encouragement to overcome or avoid temptations for students who may be faced with improper choices; provide the opportunity to change for those students who choose to make incorrect choices; and provide a safe environment for all students who choose to be drug free by setting up consequences for the students who either have trouble with drugs or refuse to change.

DRUG TESTING CONSENT FORM

Each student of Springfield Catholic High School will receive copies of the “Student Drug Testing” policy, “Guidelines for Student Drug Testing,” and “Student Drug Testing Consent” form. The policy and guidelines will be read and the consent form signed and dated by the student and parent/s or custodial guardian/s prior to the student’s admission to Springfield Catholic High School. This signed consent will remain in effect for the duration of the student’s attendance at Springfield Catholic High School, as will the results of all drug tests. Each student is subject to the random drug testing guidelines. Students must return the “Student Drug Testing Consent” form to the high school prior to admission to Springfield Catholic High School. Any student who does not return the required form by this time will not be admitted to Springfield Catholic High School.

DEFINITIONS

Academic/Athletic Activities and Competitions – any activity or sport subject to MSHSAA rules, sponsored by Springfield Catholic High School, or requiring attendance by a designated representative of the high school. Students will still be expected to attend all practices but may not compete or perform. Participation in graduation-related activities is suspended at the time of a second or third offense.

Drug Use Test – scientifically substantiated method to test for the presence of illegal drugs in a person’s urine.

Alteration - the process where an individual ingests large amounts of water, vitamins and/or other various chemicals in an attempt to interfere with testing results. In drugs-of-abuse screening, it is important to insure the integrity of samples. The test provides information on the possible alteration of urine samples submitted for DAU (Drugs-Of-Abuse Urine) testing. The object of tests for alteration is to discover deviations in urine samples, such as dilution, or the addition of drug-test interfering substances.

Illegal Drugs - the use, possession, distribution, sale or solicitation of alcohol, drugs (their imitators), unauthorized prescription or non-prescription drugs, drug-related paraphernalia, narcotic substances, marijuana or other intoxicants and any other substances, which an individual may not sell, possess, use, distribute, or purchase under either federal or Missouri law.

Positive Test Result - when referring to a drug test administered under these guidelines, a toxicological test result which is considered to demonstrate the presence of an illegal drug or the metabolites thereof using the standards customarily established by the testing laboratory administering the drug use test.

Reasonable Suspicion - a suspicion based on specific personal observations concerning the appearance, speech or behavior of a participating student, and reasonable inferences drawn from those observations in the light of experience. Information provided by a reliable source, if based on personal knowledge, shall constitute reasonable suspicion.

PROCEDURE

Students will be required to provide urine samples as follows:

Upon enrollment at Springfield Catholic High School, at the principal’s discretion.
On a random selection basis, during the regular school year. Total number of tests will approximate student population. Students absent on the day they are chosen for random testing will automatically be placed in the next test pool without notification of the initial missed testing.
At any time as requested by the principal, based on reasonable suspicion of illegal drug usage.

Any drug test required by Springfield Catholic High School under the terms of these guidelines will be administered by, or at the direction of, a professional laboratory chosen by Springfield Catholic High School, using scientifically validated toxicological methods. The professional laboratory will be required to have detailed written specifications to assure chain of custody of the specimens, proper laboratory control, and scientific testing.

All aspects of the drug-use testing program, including the taking of specimens, will be conducted so as to safeguard the personal and privacy rights of students to the maximum degree possible. School personnel intimately involved with the drug testing program will be trained to insure that end. The test specimen will be obtained in a manner designed to minimize the intrusiveness of the procedure. In particular, the student will be allowed to give the specimen in a private restroom behind a closed door. The monitor will wait outside the door until the specimen has been produced. The student will hand the specimen to the monitor who will thereafter verify the normal warmth and appearance of the specimen. The monitor will then test the specimen. If, at any time during the testing procedure, the monitor has reason to believe or suspect that a student is tampering with the specimen, the monitor may stop the procedure and inform the principal who will then determine if a new sample should be obtained.

GENERAL AUTHORIZATION FORM

We have read and fully understand Springfield Catholic Schools Policy 1.38 - Student Drug Testing and 1.38A – Guidelines for Student Drug Testing.

We hereby agree to accept and abide by the standards, rules, and regulations set forth by Policy 1.38 – Student Drug Testing and 1.38A – Guidelines for Student Drug Testing. We also understand that our signed consent will remain in effect for the duration of the student’s attendance at Springfield Catholic High School.

We authorize Springfield Catholic High School, through a professional laboratory chosen by the school, to conduct drug tests as set forth in Policy 1.38 – Student Drug Testing and 1.38A – Guidelines for Student Drug Testing. We further authorize the release of drug testing information/results to Springfield Catholic High School as set forth in Policy 1.38 – Student Drug Testing and 1.38A – Guidelines for Student Drug Testing.

In consideration of acceptance into and attendance at Springfield Catholic High School and for participation in extracurricular activities sponsored by or through Springfield Catholic High School we, jointly and severally, release the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, a Missouri Not-For-Profit Corporation, and all of its agents, servants, representatives and employees, including those acting through or at Springfield Catholic High School, from any liability for injury to any of us, including injury to our children, and including injury to reputation, caused by the negligence of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, a Missouri Not-For-Profit Corporation, or any of its agents, servants, representatives, or employees, including its agents, servants, representatives, or employees, acting through or at Springfield Catholic High School in the administration, testing, reporting, and enforcement of Policy 1.38 – Student Drug Testing and 1.38A – Guidelines for Student Drug Testing.

RELEASE OF STUDENTS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds during the school day without the approval of custodial parent(s) or guardian(s) and school officials.

STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

The Springfield Catholic School System attempts to address the special learning needs of all students within the parameters of the system’s human and financial resources according to guidelines. Students are considered for enrollment when educational resources and programming are available which can address their specific needs and allow them to be successful.

GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

The goal of educating students with special needs – whether their need relates to academics or health, physical, social, or emotional concerns – is the successful mastery of the regular curriculum in the regular classroom setting.

The Springfield Catholic School System provides for a normal range of learning differences and serves students whose instructional program requires minimal adjustments. The system does not offer direct special education instruction. It does, however, provide administrative services to coordinate with resident public schools the screening and diagnostic evaluation of students and the development of an Individual Service Plan. Direct special education services are provided by the public school district in which the child resides with input and support from the Springfield Catholic School System.

Adjustments that allow a student access to the general curriculum, but do not fundamentally lower the standard or expectation of the course, are available to students on an individual basis determined by learning needs and a documented disability. Adjustments do not release students from demonstrating the required knowledge. Rather, adjustments provide students with disabilities the support they need to demonstrate what they know and understand.

The Springfield Catholic School System strives to address and make appropriate adjustments for special learning needs, but in some cases it may not be feasible. If the system does not have the resources to address the need that has emerged, if an appropriate education requires more than minimal adjustments, if the student seriously disrupts other students’ learning, or if the student puts the safety of staff or other students at risk enrollment may be terminated. In such cases, the Springfield Catholic School System will attempt to assist families in finding appropriate alternatives.

STUDENT PREGNANCY

If a student enrolled in Springfield Catholic Schools becomes pregnant, the student or parents will be required to inform the principal. If necessary, a plan will be developed to help the pregnant student continue her academic studies. The pregnant student and father (if a student of Springfield Catholic Schools) of the unborn child, may be required to receive counseling which is appropriate and consistent with Catholic teaching.

STUDENT USAGE OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES Policy 1.36

STUDENT IMMUNIZATION

All Springfield Catholic Schools students must comply with the health requirements determined by the Missouri and U.S. Departments of Health with regard to immunization. All students must have an up-to-date immunization record on file in the school health office before the first day of the school year in order to begin attendance in school.

VIRTUAL SCHOOL/DISTANCE LEARNING

A student must have prior approval from the building administrator before any correspondence course or distance learning program approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is taken for credit. (See 1.46A Guidelines for Virtual School/Distance Learning)

GUIDELINES FOR VIRTUAL SCHOOL/DISTANCE LEARNING

Credit Recovery

Credit recovery courses can be taken through summer school courses, correspondence courses, or Missouri virtual school. Springfield Catholic High School will apply no more than three (3) units of credit towards credit recovery and graduation requirements with no more than two (2) units of credit applied in one subject area.

Missouri Virtual School

Students have the opportunity to enroll in virtual courses through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary School’s Virtual Instruction Program (MoVIP). A student must have prior approval from the building administrator before a course from MoVIP will be accepted for credit. The following guidelines will be used in evaluating student requests:

MoVIP courses can be used for credit recovery; credit recovery guidelines will apply (see credit recovery above)

If not already used for credit recovery, Springfield Catholic High School will accept up to three (3) units of credit

If a student chooses to enroll in more than the three (3) units of credit from MoVIP courses, these courses will appear on the student’s transcript, but will be kept from GPA calculations and ranking
Springfield Catholic High School’s grading scale will apply to all course work
Springfield Catholic High School will not weight MoVIP advanced placement courses
Springfield Catholic High School will not accept courses that are currently offered through Springfield Catholic High School
A student must carry a schedule of eight (8) units of credit a year at Springfield Catholic High School before MoVIP course work will apply
Springfield Catholic High School will consider all extenuating and unique circumstances when evaluating requests for additional MoVIP course work and credit.