Saint Rose School

Learning, Love & Service

 

 

Pastor:  Father James Kallarackan

Associate Pastor:  Father Michael D’Souza

 

School Board

 

Dr. Melanie Bishop, Chairman

Mr. Tim Glover

Mrs. Lori Manda

Dr. Jeff Paffrath

Dr. Liz Rhea

Mr. Jim Rose

Mr. Kevin Smith

Mr. Brian Wilson

Mr. Timothy Yoko

 

 

 

Administration

 

Principal:  Sister Mary Cecilia, O.P.

Assistant Principal:  Colleen Hawkins

Administrative Assistant:  Susan Akers

Administrative Assistant:  Amy Swartz

Finance:  Dawn Parsh

Director of Development:  Renee Miller

 

 

 

HandS (Home and School Association)

 

Stephanie Kinard, President

Jackie Delaney, President Elect

Debbie O’Donald, Secretary

Stephanie Diaz, Treasurer

Anna Royal, Teacher Liason

 

 

SAINT ROSE OF LIMA PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

 

A.  Forward

 

The school is a projection of the home, and it is to the home that the school looks for support and cooperation.  Therefore, for the interest and information of the parents and students of Saint Rose School , this handbook is considered desirable and necessary.  An official bulletin or letter will inform parents of changes made in this document.

 

B.  Saint Rose of Lima

 

Isabella Flores, commonly known as Rose, was born in Lima , Peru , in 1586, and became the first canonized saint of the Western Hemisphere .  She led a virtuous life at home and, after receiving the habit of the Third Order of Saint Dominic, she made great progress in a life of penance and prayer.  She had a special devotion to Christ in the Eucharist and to Mary, the Mother of God.  Her desire to teach others the secret of prayer made her a zealous promoter of the Rosary.  She died at Lima in August 1617, and was canonized by Pope Clement X in 1671.  The first saint born in the new world, she is patroness of South America and the Philippines .  Her Feast Day is celebrated on August 23.

 

C.  History  of Saint Rose of Lima School

 

Saint Rose of Lima Catholic School is a Jubilee School re-opened by the Diocese of Nashville in 1999. It is a ministry of Saint Rose Parish and is supported by the Parish.  The School also serves families from surrounding parishes. 

 

Saint Rose School opened its doors in 1953 as a four-classroom school with two grades to each room. The Sisters of the Most Precious Blood from O’Fallon, Missouri sent three Sisters to staff the school. 

 

Classes began with 81 students: 44 were from Sewart Air Base and 37 were from Murfreesboro . Throughout its early existence more than one-half of the students were from the Air Force Base. 

 

Through the years the facility had been expanded until in 1969 there were nine classrooms, a library, cafeteria and gymnasium. The enrollment increased steadily until it reached its peak at the beginning of the 1968-69 school year with 263 students.

 

During the 1968-69 school year, it was learned that Sewart Air Force Base would close and dependents would begin to leave.  By the end of the year, the Precious Blood Sisters had withdrawn, and the impending closing of the Air Force base seemed to be pointing to the closing of the school since over half of the children, plus several faculty, were from the base.

 

The year opened with 195 students, 98 of which were from the base.  As the school year progressed the children from the base moved.  By the end of the school year, there were no children from the base enrolled at the school.  The projected enrollment for the 1970-71 school year was 83 students.  The Sisters were unable to return a second year.  The School Board recommended that the school close.  The 1969-70 year was the last year of operation.

 

Several factors would contribute to the ongoing growth in the Catholic community in Murfreesboro .  Rutherford County in general and Murfreesboro in particular began a time of unprecedented growth in the 1990s.  The opening of Nissan Motor Manufacturing Plant brought an influx of families from heavily Catholic industrial states in the north.  In addition, the spirit of love, faith and charity found at Saint Rose Church began to draw dozens of adults each year to the RCIA program, helping to grow the parish to over 1000 families.

 

Parents began to ask for a Catholic school.  They worked for this goal with great enthusiasm.  In 1997, Bishop Kmiec inaugurated an in depth study concerning the areas in need of a Catholic school.  It was decided that Saint Rose School would be re-opened.

 

In 1998, the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia Congregation in Nashville agreed to return to the school.

 

In 1999, Saint Rose School reopened with 88 students in Grades K-4, two Dominican Sisters and five lay teachers.  Each year the school has grown and in August 2003 the eighth grade was added.  The addition of a second section of each grade will be completed in 2009.

 

D.  Accreditation /Affiliation 

Saint Rose is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.  It is approved by the State of Tennessee and the Diocese of Nashville.

 

 

Mission Statement     

 

Saint Rose Catholic School unites with the family to provide a quality academic Catholic education in a God-centered environment, promoting learning, love and service, which prepares individuals for the responsibilities of tomorrow.

 

Philosophy

 

Saint Rose School is a Catholic elementary school.  Its philosophy is derived from the application of fundamental Catholic teaching.

 

The content of the educational program aims at the growth and development of the whole child.  The school seeks to provide a quality Catholic education in a nurturing atmosphere where the child is loved and respected.   The spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional and social development of each unique individual is the reason for the existence of Saint Rose. The school seeks to support and work with parents who have the first and greatest responsibility for the education of their children.

 

The aim of the school is based upon a contemporary philosophy of Catholic education which keeps its roots in the past and its sights on the future.  While borrowing from the rich tradition of the past in its stress on the basics, the policies and practices of Saint Rose School are also enlightened by current studies in order to meet the present day needs of its students.

 

Beliefs

 

-          Saint Rose Catholic School provides a Christ-centered atmosphere that fosters a love for the Catholic faith, life, family and country in which each student can learn, achieve and succeed to his or her potential.

 

-          Students should be encouraged to respect differences in cultures, creeds and origins in a spirit of cooperation, mutual respect and love.

 

-          Students should be prepared for the challenges of the future, as well as the duties of good citizenship through the development of character and leadership in order to serve the Church, community and our country.

 

-          The uniqueness and dignity of each student should be valued in order to fully develop the spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional and educational needs of students.

 

-          A standard of high expectations, structured environment, and quality programs in the academic disciplines and fine arts should be provided to promote student achievement.

 

-          Programs of health and safety should be provided, as well as physical activity that encourages fitness, sportsmanship and the discipline needed to participate in cooperative play and athletics.

 

-          Ongoing evaluation and updating of programs, methods and procedures are essential to maintain standards of excellence.

 

Parents and School

 

Parents, as primary educators, are the best ones to make provisions in their children’s lives for the continual process of educational growth.  It is expected that parents will want to be active participants in their children’s education.  Opportunities to volunteer in the classroom, help in the office, and work on School and HandS Committee projects are numerous.  An interested participating parent promotes student success in school.

 

School Board

 

The School Board is committed to a quality Catholic school education in Saint Rose Parish.  The School Board is an advisory group to the Pastor and the Principal and is a sub-committee of the Parish Council.  The School Board is subject to policies and regulations impacting Catholic education that proceed from the Bishop and Superintendent of the Diocese of Nashville.

 

Mediation of Disputes

 

According to the Diocesan policy, disputes should be solved at the lowest level of authority if at all possible.  The following guide is given:

1.        Approach the person with whom there is a problem and attempt to resolve the dispute. 

2.        If efforts to solve the issue on this level fail, take the concerns to the Principal.

3.        If a good faith resolution cannot be reached with the Principal, contact the Pastor in the parish school.

4.        If a resolution cannot be reached with the Pastor, the Superintendent of Schools may be contacted.  

 

An aggrieved person may apply to the Diocesan Tribunal for mediation services at any time.

 

Harassment

 

Harassment whether sexual, emotional or physical will not be tolerated at Saint Rose.  Reports of such behavior will result in immediate action according to Diocesan, State and school policies.

 

 

Conferences

 

One formal parent/teacher conference is scheduled during the first quarter. Mid-term report cards are issued to the parents at this conference.  A second conference will be scheduled at the end of the school year to go over the standardized tests results.  This will be a time for the teacher and parents to discuss progress made and set goals for the upcoming year.   

 

Parents or teachers may request other conferences when deemed necessary.  To make an appointment with a teacher, a parent may call the school office and access the teacher’s voice mail. Teachers’ schedules fluctuate and they need an opportunity to schedule an appropriate time so they will be prepared and the communication will not be rushed.  Please do not visit teachers or “drop by” without notice when teachers are supervising students or preparing for class.

 

Counseling

 

We are pleased to have professional counselors from Catholic Social Services available for our students at Saint Rose School .  A counselor will be at school from 8:30am to 3:00pm three days a week.  These days will be announced at the beginning of the school year. 

Counseling services may include family and group counseling, classroom presentations, and/or individual counseling.  The parents, teacher, or Principal may refer a student for counseling.  Students may have one session with the counselor without written permission.  To continue sessions, a “referral form” must be completed and given to the counselor by the individual making the referral.  The counselor must obtain written permission from the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) prior to providing ongoing counseling services.  Every effort is made to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of the counseling sessions.  It is important that this service be a team approach: that is, the counselor, parents, and teachers working together for the benefit of the child.

 

Special Programs

 

Saint Rose offers opportunities for personal, social, physical and spiritual development.  These programs include drug and alcohol prevention programs, sexual awareness and safety, as well as social/personal skills development.  Examples of such programs include:  retreats, team building workshops, Protecting You Protecting Me, and DARE.

 

Homework

   

Homework time per night should not exceed the amounts below.  Parental help is suggested and encouraged for students in grades K-3.

          10-15 minutes Grade K           

          20-30 minutes Grade 1         60-75 minutes Grade 5

          20-30 minutes Grade  2        60-75 minutes Grade 6

          30-45 minutes Grade  3        90-120 minutes Grade 7

          45-60 minutes  Grade 4        90-120 minutes Grade 8         

 

Homework time does not include long-range assignments/projects, make-up work or required class work not completed during school hours.

    

Time allotments for homework must, out of necessity, be flexible.  All children vary in their ability to perform any task.  Parents should provide proper conditions in the home, and appropriate time for completion of homework.  Parents are also urged to help the child realize that study and review of assignments are as vital and necessary as any written work.

Assignment notebooks are required of all students in Grades 1-8.  The teacher or Principal may check these at any time.  Parents are encouraged to review these notebooks with their children.

 

Make-up assignments are the responsibility of the student.  If it is necessary for a parent to pick up assignments for a student, the school office must be notified before 12:00 noon. 

 

Report cards

 

Kindergarten children receive scholastic reports of progress which are noted by the following scale:

Developing Adequately

Improvement Needed

Not Applicable

Kindergarten students receive their first report card at the end of the 2^nd quarter.  Kindergarten does not receive mid-term reports.

 

Grades 1 and 2 use the following scale:

                (Effort Codes are used for PE, Art, Music and Spanish)

Grading Codes:          Percent:            Conduct/Effort Codes:

E=Excellent                      93-100                G=Good

G=Good                           86-92                  S=Satisfactory

S=Satisfactory                77-85                  N=Needs Improvement

N=Needs Improvement 70-76                  U=Unsatisfactory

U=Unsatisfactory                        below 70       

 

Grades 3 and 4 use the following scale:

(Effort Codes are used for PE, Art, Computer, Music and Spanish)

 

A+ 99-100              A  95-98                 A- 93-94        Conduct/Effort Codes:

B+ 91-92 B  88-90                  B- 86-87         G = Good

C+ 84-85 C 79-83                   C- 77-78         S = Satisfactory

D+ 75-76                D 72-74                   D- 70-71         N = Needs Improvement

F Below 70                                                               U = Unsatisfactory

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grades 5 - 8 use the following scale:

(Effort Codes are used for PE, Art, Music and Spanish.  The percentage grading scale is used for Band and Art/Music Appreciation as well as the other academic subjects)

 

A+ 99-100              A  95-98                 A- 93-94        Conduct/Effort Codes:

B+ 91-92 B  88-90                  B- 86-87         G = Good

C+ 84-85 C 79-83                   C- 77-78         S = Satisfactory

D+ 75-76                D 72-74                   D- 70-71         N = Needs Improvement

F Below 70                                                               U = Unsatisfactory

 

Effort Comments:

1. Outstanding effort
2. Progressing well
3. Missing/incomplete assignments
4. Low test/quiz scores
5. Late assignments
6. Unprepared for class
7. Poor class participation
8. Performance influenced by absences/tardiness

Conduct Comments:

9. Demonstrates reverence for prayer and liturgy
10. Does not demonstrate reverence for prayer and liturgy
11. Demonstrates respect for others
12. Follows rules
13. Does not follow rules
14. Demonstrates appropriate  behavior outside classroom
15. Does not demonstrate appropriate behavior outside classroom

 

Letter grades will be used in grades 1-4 and number grades will be used for grades 5-8.

 

Grades for each nine-week grading period will be based on class work, class participation, homework, tests, and/or projects, and other experiences in the learning process.  The average of the year will be the average of two semesters.  The passing mark is D- (70).  A child earning an “F” average in Reading , Math, or English must make up the class in summer school or through  pre-approved tutoring.  Written evidence must be given to the school indicating that the student has satisfactorily completed this requirement before the next school year begins in order for the student to be eligible for the next grade level.

 

Modifications may be made for a student with an IEP (Individualized Education Program).  If modifications are made regarding the quality or amount of material covered the grade will be accompanied by an asterisk (*).  This will be indicated on the report card and the permanent record.

 

Please also see report card information on p. 26.

 

Honors

Grades 5-8 are eligible for the Principal’s List and Honor Roll.  The requirements are:

 

• Principal’s List :  Report card must be all A’s (93-100), “Good” in conduct.

 

• Honor Roll:  One or two grades may be 86-92 (B); all other grades must be 93-100 (A).  The student must have “Good” or “Satisfactory” in conduct.

 

National Junior Honor Society

 

Students in grades 7 and 8 are eligible for the NJHS. 

 

The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is a cocurricular activity that actively supports the educational goals of the school.  NJHS strives to be inclusive- open to all students who choose to apply themselves and consequently meet the five established criteria of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character.

 

The Saint Rose Chapter of the NJHS is coordinated by a faculty advisor.  A five-member faculty committee meets to select membership.  NJHS is not an honor roll; membership is a privilege and not a right.

 

Selection of Members:

1.  Members of the seventh and eighth grade with cumulative averages of ninety-percent in all subjects are eligible for membership.

 

2.  Students will be invited to apply for membership by filling out an application.  Forms and deadline information will be posted and sent home in the Wednesday folder.

 

3.  Membership is voted on by a five-member faculty council.  The council reviews applications based on established NJHS standards: scholarship, citizenship, character, leadership, and service.

 

Mid-term Reports

 

Mid-term Reports will be sent to the parents midway through the nine-week period.  The reports indicate satisfactory or unsatisfactory work.  They are to be signed and returned to school.  All reports are the property of Saint Rose School and therefore not to be tampered with at any time.

 

Progress

 

Parents can keep track of students’ progress through examining weekly folders, the mid-term report and the quarterly report.  Both teacher and parents should work together when a serious and continuing lack of progress is noted.  A conference should be scheduled if a student receives a grade of D or below on the mid-term or report card.

 

Kindergarten

A decision to retain a student in the kindergarten program shall be based on the progress of the child, especially with regard to the level of maturity attained and the ability to handle the academic program of the first grade.  This decision will be a consultative one involving the teacher, parents and Principal.

 

Primary Grades 1-3

Inability to read causes more children to experience failure or lack of progress in school than any other single factor.  The foundation in reading is laid in the primary grades, especially the first two grades. Hence, in the primary grades, promotion is to be determined mainly by the child’s progress in reading.  It is important to determine the overall ability of the child in making such decisions. 

 

Intermediate-Junior High (Grades 4-8)

Promotion in grades 4-8 is to be determined by a combined average of the grades students receive in the following subject areas:

·         Christian Doctrine

·         Language Arts ( Reading , Literature, English, Composition, Spelling/Vocabulary)

·         Mathematics  (General Math, Pre-Algebra or Algebra)

·         Social Studies/History

·         Science

A student who has received a general average of “ 70” or “D-” in these subjects for the year is to be promoted, provided he/she has passed BOTH Mathematics and Language Arts.

 

Placement/Social Promotions  

 

Placement and social promotion are permitted if the student has not successfully completed work in the present grade but has already been retained in that grade or retention is not advised for social or other reasons.  Placement in the next grade must be approved by the Principal and is noted on the report card and student record.

 

Standardized Testing

 

Each year, all Catholic schools in the Diocese of Nashville administer a series of standardized tests.  Standardized tests are a means of identifying each child's academic potential and thereby improving the instructional program as it relates to the child as an individual and to the class as a whole.  The test currently used in the Diocese of Nashville is the ITBS (Iowa Test of Basic Skills).  St. Rose administers this test to grades K-7.  Grade 8 is administered Explore, an ACT Program for Educational Planning.  Algebra 1 students take the Gateway exam required by the State of