MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK
WELCOME TO GATE OF HEAVEN
CATHOLIC MIDDLE SCHOOL
All of us here at Gate of Heaven Catholic Middle School welcome you to the Middle School program. We will work closely with you as you complete the requirements necessary for elementary school graduation, and deepen the foundation you will carry on to high school and beyond. It is our hope that everyone in Middle School will enjoy success, grow from challenge, and share a spirit of community--all traditions of Gate of Heaven Catholic Middle Schools, and important components of a Catholic school education.
We recognize that life and learning in the Middle School carries with it an increased sense of responsibility and identity as a Catholic school student. We have assembled this handbook to address some very important concerns for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students here at the Middle School. We are confident that together, we can make the short time we have together both memorable and growth filled.
As a student in Gate of Heaven’s Catholic Middle School, this handbook, along with the school-wide handbook will serve as your guide to school life and learning. We are here to help you work to shape dreams and learn all you can to succeed long after you leave Gate of Heaven Catholic Middle School. If ever a question or concern should arise, tell anyone of us. If ever there is a joy, problem, or success--we share it with you. We are available anytime to give you the help and assistance you need.
We pray that each one of you will enjoy a terrific and exciting school year:
Mr. Daniel Cahill
Ms. Shannon Keating
Ms. Tracy Marshall
Sr. Patricia McCarthy, Principal
Fr. Robert Casey, Pastor
Fr. Brian Flynn, Parochial Vicar
ACADEMIC HONESTY
It is expected that every Gate of Heaven Catholic Middle School student come to school each day prepared to learn and participate in class to the best of their ability. All work, either in class or assigned for home, is to be one’s own work. Serious violations of this policy, including copying other’s homework, classwork or tests, will result in loss of credit for the work and may jeopardize successful completion of the class. Students are expected at all times to respect the right of all students in the school to learn and to grow. Behaviors or attitudes which prevent or disrupt school life will not be tolerated.
ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL
Middle School students should report to the school yard before 7:50 A.M. The Principal or staff member on duty in the yard will admit students to the school through 5th Street door at 7:50A.M. Students should not enter the building in the morning without permission. Students arriving after the beginning of their first class (first class begins at 8:00 A.M.) will be considered tardy and must stop at the office for a tardy slip.
Middle School students are dismissed each day through the parking lot door nearest East 4th Street at 2:10 P.M. It is expected that students depart for home immediately and clear the school yard or report to the designated spot if waiting for younger brothers or sisters.
Anyone staying after school for extra help or to serve a detention must report immediately to the assigned room. No one should ever be in a room without a teacher present. After school plans should be determined before coming to school.
ATTENDANCE
Regular and prompt attendance is at the heart of proper learning and study habits. Students should not be out of school except for reasons of illness or very serious personal matters.
If a student is ill or must be out of a regular school session, parents must call the office by 9:00 A.M. ON THE DAY OF THE ABSENCE. A written excuse note must be brought to school on the day of return.
Students with excessive absences jeopardize academic performance and impede future learning. For special circumstances or long term illness, parents should contact the school. STUDENTS MAY NEVER FOR ANY REASON LEAVE THE BUILDING WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM PARENTS STATING WHO WILL BE PICKING THE STUDENT UP.
BOOKS/SCHOOL MATERIAL AND PROPERTY
Books and other necessary instructional materials needed by students are provided by the school. Students are expected to cover and care for materials loaned for their use during the year. Destroying or defacing school materials or any other property is not permitted. Offenses of this nature will result in replacement or restitution to the school at replacement value. Students are also expected to contribute to maintaining an orderly and attractive school environment: not leaving personal items or waste in inappropriate places, cleaning up after one’s self, etc.
CONDUCT AND DEPORTMENT
Middle School Students are expected, at all times, to conduct their studies and personal behavior appropriately and in accord with Christian principles and school rules.
The basic and primary rule for conduct and deportment in the Middle School is respect and courtesy. At all times, and in all places, this is expected of students.
Serious infringements of good conduct and deportment will result in detention and/or suspension. Expulsion is reserved for the most serious offenses. Examples include extreme physical violence, and drug, alcohol or tobacco abuse, bullying and any form of harassment.
Gate of Heaven Catholic Middle School strives for peacemaking in all aspects of our day to day life. Inappropriate behaviors including FIGHTING, OUTWARD DISRESPECT TO TEACHERS, STAFF OR STUDENTS, DELIBERATE AND UNACCEPTABLE DISRUPTION OF CLASS OR SCHOOL PROGRAMS, SEVERE AND PERSISTENT ATTITUDES OF NON-COOPERATION are not permitted. Offenses of this nature may result in detention, suspension or possible expulsion.
Other offenses not permitted by the school but which are less serious than those already mentioned include uniform violations, gum chewing, tardiness, and having non-permitted items in school such as cell phones, I-pods, walkmen, radios, gel pens, white-out, etc. . These offenses may result in detention. Please refer to the general school handbook for a more detailed explanation. Cell phones must remain in an "off" position throughout the school day and kept in the student's book bag. Any phone that is in sight or goes off will be sent to the school office until it can be retrieved by a parent/guardian.
PARENTS MUST BE AWARE THAT EXCESSIVE OR PERSISTENT DIFFICULTIES WITH ANY ACTS OR BEHAVIORS NOT PERMITTED BY THE SCHOOL WILL RESULT IN A PARENT CONFERENCE. IN SOME CASES, BEHAVIOR CONTRACTS MAY BE NEGOTIATED AND FULFILLED FOR CONTINUED ENROLLMENT IN THE SCHOOL. The Principal is the final recourse in all disciplinary situations and may waive any disciplinary rule for a just cause at her discretion. Please refer to the general school-wide handbook for more information about school behavior policies.
GRADES/ACADEMIC STANDARDS
Gate of Heaven Catholic Middle School has adopted the following marking system for reporting performance on assigned work and report cards:
A+ 97-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79%
A 94-96 B 84-86 C 74-76
A- 90-93 B- 80-83 C- 70-73
D+ 67-69%
D 64-66 Below 60%: F
D- 60-63
Report card grades are reflected in actual numerical averages.
The standards established by Saint Brigid/Gate of Heaven Catholic Middle School for academic performance are school wide. A grade of “A” indicates an excellent grasp of material; a grade of “B” is Above average; a grade of “C” is Average; a grade of “D” indicates Below Average; and an “F” indicates Failure.
It is expected that Saint Brigid/Gate of Heaven Catholic Middle School students do their best to achieve learning goals as they are able. Students who are having difficulty in studies, for any reason, may contact the appropriate teacher for extra help. Parents are encouraged to contact teachers for concerns they may have about their child’s progress.
PARENTS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT ANY MAJOR ASSIGNMENT, PROJECT, OR TEST FOR WHICH THE STUDENT HAS EARNED A GRADE OF 70% OR LOWER, MUST BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO THE TEACHER.
HARASSMENT
The harassment policy of Saint Brigid/Gate of Heaven Catholic Middle School is grounded in the belief that all persons have the right to be treated with dignity. All demeaning behavior is prohibited.
According to federal law, sexual harassment includes but is not limited to;
Saint Brigid/Gate of Heaven Catholic Middle School follows the policies of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for procedures of reporting sexual harassment.
Students who engage in behaviors whether inside or outside the school that is detrimental to the reputation of the school may be disciplined by school officials.
HOMEWORK
Every student at Gate of Heaven Catholic Middle School is expected to do homework as assigned by teachers on time and in a neat fashion. Middle School students may be expected to do up to 2 1/2 hours of homework on any given night. Long range assignments may be given to help students develop time management skills. Incomplete homework or homework not turned in will result in loss of credit for the assignment and places risk on academic performance. If ever there is a question about homework, please contact the appropriate teacher.
Every student at Gate of Heaven Catholic Middle School is expected to fill out and carry with them for their teachers and parents the assignment notebook provided by the school. Lost or damaged assignment notebooks must be replaced by the student at a cost of $3.00.
Parents are encouraged to keep abreast of homework through the assignment notebook and to provide comments as necessary for teachers. The assignment notebook is also a means of communication between parents and teachers.
Homework or other assignments, not turned in because of absence, are expected to be made up within one week of returning to school.
HYGIENE
It is expected that students will come to school well groomed and prepared to learn. Students are expected to be cleanly and neatly dressed in the proper Gate of Heaven Catholic Middle School uniform or dress code. Further information on the uniform or dress code can be found in the school-wide handbook.
LUNCH
Students in the Middle School have an opportunity for lunch each day in the lunchroom from 11:30-11:45 A.M. on full days of school. Snacks ($.50) and Snapple drinks ($.75) are made available to all students outside the lunchroom. Milk, either chocolate or white, is available every day to students who have placed and paid for their milk order.
It is expected that students will come to school with something to eat that is satisfactory for both preference and nutrition. No lunch, or strictly eating snack foods is discouraged as proper nutrition is essential to health and growth. On the occasion that a student forgets his or her lunch, crackers can be obtained from staff person on duty. If students have special dietary restrictions or cannot eat lunch, parents are asked to contact the school and inform the Principal of the circumstances.
PROBATION
Some Middle School students have been placed on academic and/or behavior probation. These students and their parents have signed contracts which stipulate specific requirements to be fulfilled for the student to remain at Saint Brigid/Gate of Heaven Catholic Middle School.
PROGRESS REPORTS AND REPORT CARDS
Progress Reports are distributed to students TO BE GIVEN TO PARENTS half way through each term. Report cards are likewise distributed at the end of each term. Saint Brigid/Gate of Heaven Middle School has four academic marking periods.
ALL PROGRESS REPORTS AND REPORT CARDS MUST BE SIGNED BY PARENTS AND RETURNED TO THE HOMEROOM TEACHER WITHIN TWO SCHOOL DAYS.
For Progress reports, all that is necessary to return is the yellow duplicate which is detachable at the back of the report. The original white copy is retained by parents. The entire report card must be signed and returned.
THE SCHOOL WILL AUTOMATICALLY ASSUME THAT PROGRESS REPORT DUPLICATES AND REPORT CARDS NOT RETURNED TO SCHOOL WITHIN THE ALLOTTED TIME WERE NEVER RECEIVED BY PARENTS. If there is some difficulty with returning a signed progress report or report card, please notify the office. Second copies of Progress Reports and Report Cards for non-custodial parents are issued upon request. Parents are reminded to check the monthly school calendar carefully for progress report and report card distribution dates. Parent conferences will be scheduled with the Middle School Faculty.
PUBLICITY
The school reserves the right to use student pictures in the local newspapers and on the school's website. Any parent/guardian who does not wish his/her child's picture used must have a signed photo "no release form" on file in the office.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
At the very heart of a Catholic school education is the on-going formation and development of faith, values, and personal ethics. Here at Saint Brigid/Gate of Heaven Catholic Middle School, we believe that the very reason for education is to open the mind and heart to a personal relationship with Jesus and each other in faith. As a community of Christians, religious practice and day to day routines give witness to our growth as Christian people.
Middle School students serve as “models” for younger members of the school, and are expected to display in word and in action, behavior which befits a maturing Christian. In a special way, Gate of Heaven Catholic Middle School celebrates our unity in faith through daily prayer, school-wide prayer services, and liturgies.
Parents are expected, as the primary educators of their children, to encourage and support religious practice with their children such as prayer, Sunday Mass attendance, and a sacramental life. As partners, both the parent and the school share responsibility with the Christian community in seeing to it that every student at Gate of Heaven Catholic Middle School is provided the opportunity for spiritual growth in the richness of a Catholic school environment.
Students are always expected to respect and participate in spiritual growth and practice whenever celebrated during the school day. It is expected that those students who do not share in the Catholic faith, or those who are not yet prepared to share in the Church’s sacramental life refrain from doing so during school-wide services. There is no other privilege greater than to celebrate our faith in sacraments together as a school. Parents or students with special concerns or circumstances in this area should contact the Principal or Pastor as soon as possible.
TARDINESS
A student who is tardy for school, (arriving after first class begins) must report to the office for a pass to be admitted to class. Students should only be tardy for school in rare instances or because of an arranged appointment by a parent.
Students in the Middle School who are tardy for reasons other than an appointment or special circumstance of which the school has been notified by a parent, must make up the missed time THAT DAY after school in the homeroom class or designated room. Students making up tardies after school must do so between 2:15 and 2:30 P.M.
Tardiness for school here at Saint Brigid/Gate of Heaven Catholic Middle School is not acceptable. In addition to placing undue stress on the regular morning routine, tardiness is disruptive to classes already in session.
UNIFORMS
Middle School Boys at Gate of Heaven Catholic Middle School are required to wear navy blue pants and Middle School polo shirt, and dress shoes for school.
Girls are required to wear navy blue kilts and gray Middle School polo shirt described in the school-wide handbook.
The Middle School gym uniform is the oatmeal Gate of Heaven gym shirt and blue athletic pants or Gate of Heaven mesh shorts with sneakers -- (can be worn all day on gym day only). All shorts should be fingertip length. High top sneakers, roller skate sneakers and sneakers without laces are not allowed. Socks must be worn with sneakers and shoes.
Special Notes on dress and uniforms:
Girls: Skirts MUST be to the KNEE.
Clear nail polish only.
Shirts tucked into skirts.
Navy blue, black or white knee socks or tights.
Earrings - studs only
Boys: Shirt tails tucked in.
Dress shoes to be DARK in color.
ALL: Socks with cuffs must always be worn.
No hats, ever, are to be worn in school.
Jeans may not be worn to school except
on “Tag Days”. Cargo pants are not allowed.
Students who are repeatedly out of uniform will not be able to participate in tag days and out of uniform days.
If added warmth is needed by students, Gate of Heaven sweatshirts should be worn.
Dress shoes are required at all times except for gym day and when wearing the warm weather uniform. No sandals, no open-back shoes, no crocs or any type of shoe with a heel over 2 inches are permitted.
Contact the Office if you ever have a question about dress code.
The principal retains the right to amend the handbook for just cause. Parents and guardians will be given prompt notification if changes are made.
TO BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO THE SCHOOL OFFICE.
GATE OF HEAVEN CATHOLIC MIDDLE SCHOOL
South Boston, Massachusetts
MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK
Signed Parental/Student Agreement
We have read and agree to be governed by this Parent/Student Handbook.
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