Parent Part07

Parent Communications
(last update: 7/8/08)

HANDBOOK CHANGES/VERIFICATION

The administration reserves the right to amend this Parent/Student Handbook. The Pastor of Holy Family Parish is the final recourse in all disciplinary situations and, after consultation with the Principal, may waive any or all regulations for just cause at his discretion. Parents will be promptly notified if changes are made.
Please sign and return the enclosed card which verifies that you have read this handbook, that you agree to abide by all of its policies and guidelines, and that you have reviewed it with your child.

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Because the education of children is the primary responsibility of the parents, it is essential that the parent:
• Be a Christian example.
• Assume prime responsibility for guiding and disciplining the child in moral and spiritual growth.
• Teach basic prayers before entrance into school.
• Pray with the child in family prayer and at Sunday liturgy.
• Attend and fulfill Sunday mass obligation.
• Teach respect for authority and the rights of others.
• Participate in sacramental preparation programs.
• Encourage the child to accept and be friendly with all children.
• Respect each child's abilities by not comparing him/her to others.
• Be alert to moments when one can praise and compliment the child.
• Develop open lines of communication with children and teachers that allow for mutual sharing of positive experiences or of difficulties.
• Provide time, place and atmosphere in the home that allows for mutual sharing of positive experiences or of difficulties.
• Share with the child the evaluation of the student's progress as indicated in reports and conferences, thereby encouraging continued success.
• Support school policies by helping the child to understand the rules and enforcing those rules.
• Attend scheduled parent-teacher-student conferences.
• Approach the teacher initially with questions and/or problems relating to students; exercise discretion in discussing these with the child or others.

• Support the Parent-Teacher Organization through attendance at meetings and participation in activities.
• Assume responsibility for child’s(ren’s) conduct when with them at school activities.•

PROTOCOL WHEN DEALING WITH CONCERNS

    When parents wish to discuss a concern, please follow this procedure:
Parent(s) contact the teacher either in writing or by telephone, stating the concern.
The teacher will address your concern and reply either in writing or by a telephone call. Most concerns will be resolved in this manner. If the concern is not resolved, you may contact the Principal. Very brief "stop-in" times are permitted before and after school in order to check student status or give information.

SCHOOL VISITATION

    Parents are always welcome in the school to observe and to serve, to question, suggest, or compliment. If you wish to visit a class, please make arrangements in advance with the teacher, and report first to the school office. All visitors to will be asked to sign in and out at the school office.
    Appointments may be made by calling the school: 431-5108. Teachers are available from 3:30 to 3:55 daily for individual conferences with parents.
    A written note from the parent is required:
        1. after an absence from school
        2. for medical appointments during the school day (The student needs to sign-out in the office before leaving with their parent. Parents must pick-up their children at the office.)
    "Parent", refers to the custodial (more precisely, the parent with whom the child lives) parent. In joint-custody situations, Holy Family School will follow the appropriate laws for the State of Illinois and the terms established by the Court’s custody decision (if a copy is on file). Holy Family School administration reserves the right to designate special days when parents, including non-custodial parents, grandparents, or others may visit with the students during an open house, cafeteria luncheon, or similar events. If there are limitations, for example, regarding visitation rights, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with an official copy of any court orders. In sole custodial circumstances, the parent without custody will not be permitted to visit students at school.

LINES OF COMMUNICATION

When a question arises about school regulations or their implementation, please consult the classroom teacher first. The ordinary line of authority is from the teacher to the principal in all matters involving classroom behavior.

PARENT PARTICIPATION

    Parental participation is essential and expected to aid the school in fully developing the potential of each child. The organization aimed at providing this vital link between the parents and school is the Home and School Association.
    The Home and School Association is designed to provide monies and volunteer services which are necessary for the smooth functioning of the school. In turn, the Home and School Association regularly scheduled general meetings provide important information and allow for discussion of parental concerns regarding different aspects of the school. Home and School Association meetings are held in September, October, December, January, April and May. All parents are strongly encouraged to fully participate in the Home and School Association.
    Beyond the Home and School Association participation, parents are needed as volunteers for a variety of activities, events and general school needs. This volunteering is monitored through the HFS Fair Share program. Each family is asked to donate hours equivalent to $350. per child per school year based on a rate of "earning" at $10.00 per hour.