MISSION STATEMENT

Holy Family Academy is a Catholic school dedicated to excellence in education and fidelity to the Magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church. We are committed to training each child in a holy manner that develops high standards of thinking and behavior, a well formed conscience, sound judgment and self-discipline.

SCHOOL GOALS

“… every Christian child or youth has a strict right to instruction in harmony with the teaching of the Church, the pillar and ground of truth.” #57 Thus, “The proper and immediate end of Christian education is to cooperate with divine grace in forming the true and perfect Christian, that is, to form Christ Himself in those regenerated by Baptism.” #94 Pope Pius XI, On Christian Education

Holy Family Academy will strive to:

• Teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ as handed down by the Magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Provide an education of excellence that assists children in their growth toward full personal potential.
• Develop and offer an education in which intellectual, physical, and social components are integrated with religious and moral instruction, and where the Catholic Faith imbues all that we say and do.
• Teach students to think critically and express themselves with clarity and competence.
• Promote character by insisting on responsible study and submission to intellectual and moral discipline.
• Inspire students to realize their duties as American citizens and promote general welfare through a deeper understanding of the effect of personal actions upon the lives of others.
• Promote the development of leadership through the application of Christian principles in activities and personal conduct.
• Foster refinement in manners, speech, and dress in accordance with Christian ideals.
• Promote the dignity of all human life, especially that of the unborn and elderly who are in desperate need of protection amidst today’s culture of death.
• Develop the spirit of Christian charity as commanded by Jesus Christ.
• Foster each student’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ through personal prayer, public worship, and the study and imitation of the lives of the saints.

FACULTY AND STAFF

Holy Family Academy Faculty and Staff ensure that our mission and goals are entrusted to individuals who demonstrate the highest professionalism and fidelity to the vocation of Catholic education and catechesis.
All faculty and staff will:

• Demonstrate exemplary lifestyle skills which provide a positive role model to students and are in accord with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Fully support our Philosophy, Mission Statement, and Goals.
• Be held accountable for implementing curriculum designed by the administration.
• Work as team players in coordinating and supporting school programs.
• Be trained in the Discipline Policy adopted by Holy Family Academy and use it to train and encourage Christian virtue and character in our students.

CONTACTING STAFF

Voice Mail: Out of respect for students, teachers, and academics, phone messages should be left with our office staff during the school day; teachers will return calls when their schedule allows.

Email: Email is the preferred way to communicate with staff during the school day.

Silent or Homework Lunch

When assigned silent lunch, students will sit at the silent lunch table throughout their lunch and/or lunch and recess period. If it is a homework lunch, students will complete their assignment during this time instead of participating in lunch and/or recess with classmates.
 

Conduct Slips

The use of conduct slips is a systematic and progressive procedure for the correction of behavior; they are sent home for parents to sign. Students may receive two conduct infractions in any given quarter without any further consequence. Should a third infraction occur in any one quarter, the student will be assigned detention. Depending on the severity of the situation as assessed by the teacher, it is possible for a student to receive three infractions for one single event. At the beginning of each quarter, students will begin with zero infractions, yet receiving two infractions for more than two quarters will be taken into account when assigning appropriate discipline.

Detention

Detention is served on the first Wednesday following the infraction from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. The student’s age and the severity of the situation may mitigate the length of the detention. The average student serves the entire hour-long period. Detention supersedes all extracurricular events, meetings and school practices. If a student skips or is late for detention, or does not obey detention protocol, at the very least he will be assigned an additional detention to be served the following Wednesday. Parents should pick students up promptly at 4 p.m.

Probation

Students who receive three detentions in any given quarter, or are involved in a situation that requires immediate probation without the use of progressive conduct slips, will be placed on probation. This is an urgent alert to the student and parent that the student’s behavior needs immediate improvement. Probation will remain in effect for six weeks from the time of issuance. While on probation, a student may be given work duty or prohibited from participation in any extra-curricular events sponsored by the school as determined to be most effective by the administration. A significant violation of school regulations while on probation is cause for suspension.

Suspension

In-School Suspension
Students who receive detention while on probation may be placed on in-school suspension, although it may be given for other similarly serious situations. While on in-school suspension, students will be removed from their classroom and spend the school day doing their work in the school office or other conducive location.
Out-of-School Suspension
Students who have already served in-school suspension in any given quarter and acquire another detention may be given out-of-school suspension. Only the principal may impose this penalty. A suspension will be removed only after a conference is held with the principal, parent, and if applicable, the teacher. If reinstated in school, the student returns on probation for a minimum of twelve weeks or until suspension is removed by the principal.
All homework is still due daily according to the classroom teacher’s assignments. The student will have to arrange to get their work to school on time during their suspension.

Expulsion

Students who have received two out-of-school suspensions in any given quarter may be expelled; students may also be expelled for other egregious offenses. Expulsion is the termination of a student’s enrollment at Holy Family Academy. Obviously, this is the most severe penalty that can be imposed on the student; the principal has the final say in this matter and is the only one who can impose it.

Homework & Conduct Journal

All students in grades 1-8 will receive a Homework & Conduct Journal. This journal is used to record daily homework and provide a regular conduct report for first through fourth grade students; the conduct report may also be used for fifth through eighth grade students should the need arise. The journal is to be signed daily by first through fourth grade parents (or as requested by the teacher). The following number values have been assigned and will be used by all adults given charge over students:

• 5 - excellent behavior,
• 4 - good behavior,
• 3 - minor disciplinary problems, discipline options may have been used,
• 2 - many disciplinary problems, discipline options used,
• 1 - severe discipline problems, parents called, conference is necessary.

Bullying Policy

All bullying is unacceptable. Deliberate unkindness of any action that gives hurt, whether verbal, physical, or relational, is bullying and will not be tolerated. It is the duty of everyone who sees an instance of bullying, or potential bullying, to act to stop it. This duty applies to all students, teachers, and other members of staff. Parents who have concerns about bullying issues should contact their child’s homeroom teacher about their concerns.

The three main types of bullying are:

• Physical, included but not limited to violence, theft, and destruction of property.
• Verbal, included but not limited to name calling, making faces, telling secrets, teasing and mocking.
• Relational, included but not limited to cyber bullying, spreading rumors, making gestures, writing notes, excluding someone from social groups, malicious email and prank phone calls.

Proper bullying report/response procedures by all teachers, staff, and students:

• Bullying incidents must be reported immediately to staff.
• Once reported, the staff member in closest proximity to the event will record reported bullying and give the report to the homeroom teacher.
• The bullying behavior or threats will be investigated either by the initial staff member or by the homeroom teacher quickly and fully, with both victim and perpetrator informed that the behavior will/must stop immediately.
• If the homeroom teacher deems it appropriate, the bullying perpetrator will meet with the principal and his parents to discuss the seriousness of his actions and to establish appropriate means of changing behavior.

Further options and outcomes:

• In serious cases, suspension, expulsion or criminal charges will be considered.
• If feasible, both victim and bully will meet with the administration to discuss the problem and brainstorm ideas for reconciliation.
• After the incident has been thoroughly investigated and dealt with, faculty will monitor both students (including regular “check-ins”) to ensure that bullying does not resume or reoccur.

Holy Family Academy teachers will:

• Teach self-respect and promote a sense of self-worth.
• Model assertive behavior and good social skills.
• Teach children ways to respond to bullies.
• Encourage children to stand up for a child being bullied and stress the importance of reporting bullying to a trusted adult.
• Teach the following responses to bullying:
  
  • to avoid, ignore or walk away from a bully.
  • to stay calm and not fight back.
  • to forcefully say to the bully, “Leave me alone.”
  • to realize that the problem is mostly that of the bully, not the victim.

Curriculum

Holy Family Academy is the parish school of Holy Family Catholic Church, and as such, is a Roman Catholic institution of the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis. Thus, the spiritual, moral, intellectual, social and physical elements of the education that it offers are taught within the context of the Catholic Faith. Holy Family Academy adheres to a traditional, well-balanced curriculum that includes religion, math, language arts (phonics, spelling, grammar, literature, vocabulary, penmanship, and writing), history, geography, science, music, art, physical education, and world languages.

Homework Policy

Parental support of homework is a critical responsibility of all Holy Family Academy parents; this is the line past which teachers have precious little control. The following homework chart outlines the teamwork expected of all parties involved. Holy Family Academy is dedicated to training students in both the essential and advanced skills necessary for ongoing education. Homework is an essential means of providing students with specific opportunities to practice and extend the application of skills and knowledge. Completing homework well develops independence and responsibility. Parents of students in grades 1-5 should expect their children to do homework at least 4 days per week. Parents of students in grades 6 - 8 should expect their students to do homework 5 days per week. A Homework and Conduct Journal is provided for all students to record daily assignments. In addition to daily homework, it is highly recommended that all children read at least 1/2 hour each day from a book that they love. The following homework guidelines have been established for students diligently and effectively working at about the average level for their grade level:

• Kindergarten: 10 - 15 minutes two times per week
• Grade 1: 10 - 25 minutes at least four times per week
• Grade 2: 20 -30 minutes at least four times per week
• Grades 3 - 5: 30 - 60 minutes five times per week
• Grades 6 - 8: one to two hours five times per week

Late or Incomplete Homework:

Grades 1-6: Homework not turned in on the due date, or turned in incomplete, will receive 50% of the available credit. For every day that the assignment is late after its original due date, 10% more will be deducted. If an assignment is not turned in within 5 school days of the due date, the student will receive no credit. In addition:

• If a student has three days of missing homework in any one quarter, the situation will be treated as a conduct issue. Each assignment missed after the third is also considered a conduct issue.
• Silent Lunch may be assigned to students with missing or late homework.

Grades 7-8: Homework slips are not issued. Instead, homework not completed and turned in on time will not receive credit. If the assignment is not turned in by the next class for that subject, the student will receive a conduct slip. Conduct slips will continue until the assignment is turned in. Late assignments must be completed to the standard of at least 80% or they will have to be done again.

Making up Homework Due to Absence: The student or parent is responsible for requesting make-up work due to an absence. Two days will be allowed for make-up work once the student returns to school. Additional time will be allowed at the discretion of the teacher. Previously announced projects, tests, and assignments must be turned in or taken on the date of the student’s return.

Extracurricular Events: There are a number of worthwhile extracurricular events in which children and parents can and should participate. Even so, homework is always a priority over extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities may not be used as an excuse to not do homework. When there is a busy night due to extracurricular activities, it is the student’s responsibility to work ahead in anticipation to make sure all homework is completed on time. Being a student is a calling and vocation from God; students do God’s will for their lives here and now by being good students. If a student’s extracurricular life is so busy or unorganized that their studies suffer, priorities seem to be out of order.

 

Grading Scale

• Kindergarten - Grade 3 and Art, Technology, and Music will use the numeric grading system:

5       Excellent
4       Above Average
3       Average
2       Below Average
1       Unacceptable

• Grades 4 – 8 will use the percentage system, and academic achievement will be recorded as a specific number that directly reflects work. Less than 70% is failing.
   

HOLY FAMILY ACADEMY HOMEWORK GUIDELINES

HOLY FAMILY ACADEMY HOMEWORK GUIDELINES

A Shared Responsibility

Honor Roll

The Honor Roll is published each quarter to recognize students in grades 5 - 8 for academic achievement. Students who have achieved an overall percentage average of 93% or better during the quarter, have not received detention during the quarter, and have not received a grade lower than 70% in any subject in the quarter, will earn a position on the Honor Roll. The subjects averaged to determine a student’s GPA are math, language arts, religion, history, science and Latin. Honor Roll has two classifications:

Academic Excellence 96% – 100%
High Honors 93% – 95.99%

Academic Probation

Academic Probation is a tool used to alert both student and parent of serious academic concerns requiring immediate attention. At the end of a quarter, a student who has received a grade below 70% is subject to an academic review. At the review, administration, student, and parents will formulate a plan of action to assist the student in academic improvement. A student who exhibits a serious lack of homework effort and responsibility may be placed on Academic Probation. While on Academic Probation, student achievement is consistently reviewed for improvement. If improvement does not occur in a timely manner, privileges and involvement in extra-curricular activities may be removed. Students who do not meet the minimum standards at the end of the next nine-week period may be asked to withdraw from Holy Family Academy.

Report Cards, Mid-Terms, and Conferences

Holy Family Academy has adopted a quarterly grading system for students in grades K-8. In addition to quarterly report cards, students in grades 4 - 8 may receive mid-term reports if their grades merit a concern.

Pre-Kindergarten conferences are scheduled twice each year; parents may also request an additional conference at any time. Student progress is evaluated throughout the school year, and report cards are sent home in the spring.
 

Promotion / Retention

Promotion / retention will be based on academic achievement and emotional / developmental maturity. In the case of retention, parents or guardians will be notified of their child’s situation as soon as possible. If a recommendation is made to retain a child and parents or guardians reject it, the parents or guardians must sign a written acknowledgment of the school’s recommendation.

Standardized Testing

Holy Family Academy will use annual standardized student testing as a means to evaluate and further develop our overall curriculum. School achievement will be evaluated in conjunction with St. Paul/Minneapolis Archdiocesan Grade Level Percentiles and National Grade Level Percentiles. Student performance levels are considered confidential and will remain at the school or with a private testing consultant hired by the school. Individual student results will be sent home when reports are available, usually with 4th quarter report cards.

Student Records

In accordance with state and federal laws, parents are entitled to see their child’s school records or data. An appointment with the principal should be made in advance for a student’s record or data review. The principal will respond to the request in a reasonable amount of time. School records or data include any or all of the following:

• identifying student data including health data,
• academic work completed, grades, standardized testing scores,
• attendance data,
• family background information,
• teacher or counselor ratings and observation including verified reports of serious or recurrent behavior patterns.
   

Special Education

The special needs of students attending Holy Family Academy will be addressed via the public school district in three ways:

• Classroom teachers who observe special needs will consult with the Special Education Coordinator assigned to our school by the school district and interventions may be suggested to meet the student’s needs. The needs may be in the areas of academic, behavioral, health or motor skills.
• If the interventions are not successful, the student may be referred for further assessment by either the school or the parent. If the assessment is initiated by the school, written parental permission will be required. Once the assessment is complete, a meeting will be held to report results and possibly develop an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) or a 504 plan.
• The IEP or 504 will be written with goals to help improve the areas of need. Indirect services are offered at a public site (such as the local grade school), and transportation is provided by the school district.
   

Religious Education

Integral to our mission is the formal study of the Roman Catholic Faith in union with the Magisterium. Not only do we study the Catholic Faith, but also we strive to provide an all-pervasive culture steeped in Catholicism. In our curriculum, and all we do, we strive to be consistent with Catholic values and tradition. All students, including non-Catholics, are required to attend all religious education classes, Masses and prayer services, and adhere to the religious education expectations established by the school. Students are expected to show respect for the Catholic Faith in all they say and do.

As Pius XI said in paragraph #80 of On Christian Education:

“…..It is necessary that all the teaching and the whole organization of the school, and its teachers, syllabus and text-books in every branch, be regulated by the Christian spirit, under the direction and maternal supervision of the Church; so that Religion may be in very truth the foundation and crown of the youth's entire training; and this in every grade of school, not only the elementary, but the intermediate and the higher institutions of learning as well. To use the words of Leo XIII: ‘It is necessary not only that religious instruction be given to the young at certain fixed times, but also that every other subject taught, be permeated with Christian piety. If this is wanting, if this sacred atmosphere does not pervade and warm the hearts of masters and scholars alike, little good can be expected from any kind of learning, and considerable harm will often be the consequence
[ Militantis Ecclesiae]’.”
 

Daily Schedule

7:30    First bell; Grades 1-8 (and PK, K siblings attending Mass) go to classrooms
7:40    Grades 1-8 officially begin with Prayer and Morning Announcements
7:50    Students and faculty go to Mass, doors to school are locked for safety
8:00    Mass (grades 1-8 are required to attend Mass; PK and K are optional)
8:30    Students return to school; PK and K begin
11:00   Lunch and Recess (times stager depending on grade level)
12:00   Angelus
2:55     School is dismissed and carpool begins at 3:00
 

Absences / Tardiness / Early or Late Dismissals

Regular attendance is essential for academic achievement. However, occasional circumstances will arrive that necessitate a shortened school day or a planned absence. In the event that this occurs, use the following procedures for notifying teachers and making arrangements with the school office:

• Reporting an Absence: Call the school office by 8:30 a.m. on the morning of the student’s absence. The Absentee Line is 952-925-9193 ext. 3. Upon the student’s return, a signed parent letter that explains the reason for absence should be given to the teacher who in turn will give it to the school office.
• Tardy Arrivals: Grade 1-8 students are considered “tardy” when they arrive after the 7:40 bell. Students who arrive tardy must stop by the school office to sign in and obtain a late pass. Six tardy arrivals will result in a “Mandatory Make-Up” which is a 60 minute make-up period held on Wednesdays, 3:00-4:00, to make up for the loss of class time. Two Mandatory Make-Ups will be recorded as an absence on the student’s school record. Tardy arrivals are cumulative and do not start over at the beginning of each quarter. When such events as severe weather or a major traffic accident occur that makes it impossible to get to school on time, a tardy will not be applied to the student’s record. Safety is the primary consideration in commuting to school.
• Early Dismissal/Late Arrival: Parents should email or send a letter to the school office AND classroom teacher at least 24 hours in advance. Parents must come into the building to sign out their child. Missing more than 3 hours on a day consists of a full day’s absence; arriving after 10:40 AM or leaving before Noon is considered being absent for the day.
• Planned Absences: Students should bring a signed parent letter to the school office AND classroom teacher at least 24 hours prior to the planned absence. The letter should include the dates that the student will be absent and the reason. If homework is requested, parents or students must make arrangements with the classroom teacher at least a week in advance.
• Vacations: Vacations which take children out of the classroom, especially for more than a day or two, are usually significantly disruptive to both the teacher and the student. These vacations should be avoided as much as possible.
   

Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten

(See the Pre-K & Kindergarten Handbook for more information)
Age Requirements
Students seeking entry into Pre-K must be four years old by September 1 of the year they wish to attend. Students seeking entry into Kindergarten must be five years old by September 1 of the year they wish to attend.

Schedule
Pre-K is in session Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Kindergarten is in session Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30 a.m.-3:00

Class Size
Pre-K will maintain a class size of up to 20 students with a teacher to student ratio of one to ten. Kindergarten will maintain a class size of up to 26 students with the assistance of an aide.

Uniforms
Pre-Kindergarten students may wear black pants or shorts and a red shirt of their choice; they may also wear the school uniform. Kindergarten students are required to be in uniform according to dress code.

Lunch and Snack
Children may purchase hot lunch for $2.75 or bring a lunch from home; a light snack is served daily.
 

Emergency Closings and Delayed Starts to the School Day

In the event that severe weather or an emergency forces Holy Family Academy to close or have a delayed start, we will notify parents and/or guardians via ALERT NOW, our emergency broadcasting system. All registered families are part of the Alert Now system. It is every parent’s responsibility to ensure that all emergency contact information is up to date with the school office.

Visitors

All parents and visitors must stop at the school office to sign in and obtain a visitor nametag upon entering the building.

Valuables

School insurance does not cover the loss of personal possessions. Students are to refrain from bringing valuables into the school building.

Money

When money is sent to school, it should be placed in an envelope labeled with the student's name, grade, and the purpose for the money. Money may not kept in the classroom for any reason.

Lost and Found

Lost items are kept in the LOST & FOUND BOX located in Kattar Hall. Please ask your child to check it frequently. At the end of each school year, all items remaining in the box will be given to charity.

Lunch

Hot lunch is available Monday–Friday for $2.75. Milk is included with hot lunch or may be purchased for a fee. Hot lunch menus and order forms are posted on the Holy Family Academy web site.

Mass

Daily Mass is a very important part of our school day. Our students are truly blessed to start each day with the Eucharist and a blessing from Father. We have adopted a “Buddy System” in which the older students sit with the younger students as both mentors and leaders. Most days of the week, our 5th – 8th grade boys serve as Altar Servers and our 8th grade students serve as lectors.

Pictures

Individual, class, and extra-curricular student pictures will be taken each year. Portrait packages will be available for purchase through the photographer.

Yearbooks

Holy Family Academy publishes an annual yearbook, Milites Christi Sumus. Individual, classroom, and faculty pictures are featured in the book as well as those of school activities and events. Yearbooks are made available near the end of the school year.

School Directory

The school directory is published for the use of all families at the beginning of each school year. This directory contains the names of all students and their parents along with emails, addresses, and home phone numbers. If a parent does not want their information to be part of the school directory, he or she must inform the school secretary by the end of the first week of school. All information in the directory is confidential and may only be used by registered members of Holy Family Academy.

Field Trip Permission Slips

Insurance regulations require a signed permission form every time students participate in a field trip; failure to return the form means that the student may not attend. Whenever possible, field trip participants will travel by bus. Should it be necessary to use transportation provided by private vehicles, parents will be notified in advance. All private vehicles used to transport students must have documented current registration and proof of insurance.

Bus Transportation

Parents are responsible for making arrangements for their child to be transported to and from Holy Family Academy. If a student lives in the St. Louis Park school district, St. Louis Park will provide transportation if parents request it. Students who live outside of the St. Louis Park School District may be eligible for annual transportation reimbursements from the school district where their child resides. Contact your local school district for guidelines
 

Carpools

Morning Drop Off and Carpool
The carpool lane in our back lot is the drop off location for all students who arrive between 7:10 and 7:40 a.m. Students are not permitted to enter the school through the front doors between 7:10 and 7:40 a.m. If parents have official school business that they need to tend to, they should drop their child off via the carpool lane, then pull around to the front of the school or church, park and come in. Faculty will be in Kattar Hall with students until the 7:30 a.m. bell rings at which time everyone will proceed to class. In some instances, teachers will allow students to proceed to their class prior to 7:30 a.m. The front door to the school is available for student drop off between 7:00 and 7:10 a.m. and after daily Mass; please ring the doorbell for entry.

Afternoon Carpool (All students participating in afternoon carpool must be registered with the office):

• Registered carpools are given carpool signs that display their assigned number. This sign should be visible on the dashboard of the car at all times during student pick up.
• Changes to a student’s carpool plan for the day must be called in to the office by 2:30 PM to ensure proper communication and that the student goes with the correct person.
• At 2:55, all students are escorted to Kattar Hall where they wait with staff until their carpool number is called; they are then dismissed and escorted to their car.
• Carpool gates open at 2:45 p.m. Please do not arrive earlier than this time to line up along Zarthan Avenue as this causes extra neighborhood congestion and inhibits normal travel patterns.
• Because we are using a neighborhood street for our carpool needs, it is imperative that we are respectful of all homes, driveways, pedestrians, and traffic along Zarthan and Alabama Avenues. Please do not block driveways or intersections.
• The first car to enter the carpool line, parks in rectangle 1A, the second in 2A, third in 3A, until column A is full. When column A is full, the next parent begins column B. When line B is full, the Carpool Captain stops all traffic from entering or exiting the lot and faculty assist students into their cars (see illustration below).
• The Carpool Captains communicate with other staff via walkie talkies throughout the procedure to call numbers and do safety checks.
• When all cars are full, and the Carpool Captains have received an all-clear from the faculty assisting children into their cars, line A will begin to exit. When line A is gone, line B will exit.
• Vehicles should alternate turning left then right on to Alabama to avoid traffic congestion onto Lake Street.
  

Enrollment

Non-Discrimination Policy
It is the policy of Holy Family Academy to comply with state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination, to the end that no person(s) shall be denied or excluded from enrollment or participation in any educational program or activity operated by the school on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, or disability.

• Minimum Age Requirements
  For admission to Pre-K, the student must be four (4) years of age on or before Sept. 1 of that year.
  For admission to Kindergarten, the student must be five (5) years of age on or before Sept. 1 of that year.
  For admission to First Grade, the student must be six (6) years of age on or before Sept. 1 of that year.
   
• Required Documents
  The following documents must be completed and on file in the school office:
  Application form with application fee
  Birth certificate (copy)
  Baptismal certificate (copy)
  Records from previous school (if applicable) including report cards
  Immunization Form
  Student Health History Form
  Family Information Card
   
• Family Interview
  As part of the normal admission process, the principal may meet with the parents or guardians and the student before granting acceptance.
   
• Provisional Admission for all new students:  Admission of a new student is provisional until:

• All admission requirements have been met in full,
• All records are received from the previous school attended,
• All application and enrollment fees are paid in full or an arrangement has been made with the school bookkeeper,
• At the successful completion of a 9 week probationary period, students will be granted regular status.
   
• Mid-Year Transfer Students
  Students are eligible to transfer into Holy Family Academy mid-year if there has been a change of residence, or if permission is granted by the pastor or principal. Students who seek enrollment mid-year:

• are required to spend one full day in attendance at Holy Family Academy after which a conference will be held with the principal and parents to determine if Holy Family Academy is the best fit for the student;
• are automatically placed on probation for a nine-week period after which they will be given regular student status if there have been no major behavioral or academic concerns.
   
• Waiting Lists
  Waiting lists will be established when grades are filled. Placement will be awarded following the enrollment priority listed below together with the completion of all the usual school registration procedures.
   

Enrollment Priority

Placement in grades K-8 will be awarded using the priority criteria listed below. When a class in grades 1-8 fills, a wait list will be established; wait lists will not be kept for pre-kindergarten or kindergarten. We will start accepting kindergarten and pre-kindergarten applications the first day of school in February for the upcoming school year. If the number of applications received exceeds the class capacity, a lottery will occur to determine placement awards. In the event a lottery is required, consideration will be given to the date the application was received in the office and the enrollment priorities detailed below:

1. All K-8 students presently attending Holy Family Academy **
2. Siblings of current Holy Family Academy students who wish to register for grades PK-8 **
3. After the last class day in January, remaining classroom openings will be filled in the following order:

a. Students who are registering for the first year in our school and are registered members of the parish.
b. Students who are not registered members of the parish but are members of another Catholic parish.
c. Students who are not Catholic.

**The student must be registered for the next school year by the last class day in January of the current school year. The student must also be in good standing with Holy Family Academy and current with school tuition and fees.
 

Registration Fees

A yearly registration fee is required of all new and returning students. Registration fees are not refundable or transferable except in the case of a documented military transfer.

• New families with pre-kindergarten – 8th grade students: $500 non-refundable registration fee per family; $450 will be applied toward tuition.
• Returning families: $50 non-refundable fee per family, none of which goes toward tuition.
   

Birthdays

On their birthdays (or “half birthdays” for summer birthdays) students are wished happy birthday during our morning announcements and invited to bring a store-bought snack to share. Invitations to birthday parties may not be distributed during school hours.

Recess

All students have recess during their lunch period unless it is forfeited to finish incomplete work or for disciplinary reasons. Additional recesses are given to students at the discretion of their teachers. Recess will be held outdoors every day that it is not raining and the air temperature and wind chill are above zero. Please dress children appropriately for all weather conditions.

Library

Our school library supports the philosophy of Holy Family Academy in that everything that is honorable from what is new will be used and nothing that is of value from the past will be discarded. Our books have been hand-chosen by specialists dedicated to ensuring that our students are exposed to what is truthful, just, and honorable. Students will have their own library account and be encouraged to check out books on a weekly basis.

Internet Policy

Holy Family Academy will adhere to a PK-4 “zero internet” student policy during the school day, unless permission is granted by the principal for special assignments or projects. Under the supervision of their teacher, students in grades 5-8 may use the internet during class for research and class assignments.

Media Policy

Holy Family Academy strives to emulate the virtues fostered in the Holy Family, and parents are asked to do the same. We strongly discourage television, videos, music, and internet that encourage or participate in rude, arrogant, immoral, impure, or disrespectful behavior. A general rule of thumb to ask yourself is, “Since Jesus and Mary are sitting here with me, are they pleased with what I am watching or listening to?” Our teachers and staff reserve the right to prohibit conversations amongst students regarding media that undermines the Christian integrity of our school.

Fundraising

All students are required to participate in the annual Marathon for Non-Public Education held each fall. It is the only major fundraising effort that students will be asked to take part in that directly benefits the ongoing expenses of Holy Family Academy.

Crossing Guards

Students in grades 6-8 will have the opportunity to serve as school crossing guards. Crossing guards will assist our students in crossing the street to and from morning Mass and at other times as needed. Strict safety rules will be the cornerstone of this program

Color Guards

Every school day our color guards respectfully raise the United States and Papal flags over our school. At the end of the day, the flags are lowered and stored away. Serving as a color guard is a very important responsibility that all boys in grades 5-8 are encouraged to participate in.

Illness during the School Day

The principal, office administrator, school secretary, and/or school nurse may dismiss or approve the dismissal of a student who becomes ill or hurt during the school day. Parents/guardians are notified when the decision is made. If parents or designated guardians are unable to come for the student, arrangements must be made for a relative or other authorized person to pick up the student in the school office. A student will not be sent home due to illness if a parent or guardian is not at home.

Student Emergency Contact Information

An emergency form is sent home at the beginning of each school year to be filled out and signed by the parent. If address, phone, or emergency contact information change during the year, it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to notify the school.

Health Records

Health records are required of each student. It is recommended that the student have a physical before entering kindergarten or first grade and again in fourth.

Immunizations

Holy Family Academy follows the requirements of the Minnesota School Immunization Law (Minnesota Statues Section 123.70). All immunization dates are to be submitted to the school prior to the start date of the school’s present school year. The parent is responsible for providing this information in writing to the school office and for providing additional immunization information as administered.

Medication during the School Day (Minnesota Statue 126.202)

A written statement is required of the parent/guardian who requests and authorizes the giving of medication in the dosage prescribed by the physician, thereby releasing school personnel from liability should reactions result from the medication. Drugs or medicines must be in the original licensed pharmacist’s labeled container. Administration of the medication during school hours shall be by qualified personnel and in a manner consistent with instructions on the label. Tylenol, cough medicine, and similar over-the-counter medications are considered the same as prescription medication and must be stored in the school office. See the back of this Parent Handbook for Medication Permission Slips.

Health Screening

As a service, annual vision, hearing, and scoliosis examinations are conducted by the public school nurse at various suggested grade levels. Parents will be notified when these checks occur.

Reporting of Child Abuse / Neglect

Holy Family Academy is legally required to follow the requirements of Minnesota law pertaining to reporting child neglect and/or abuse. Staff members will report suspected cases to the local law enforcement agency or social service agency if they know of, or have reason to believe, that there is currently abuse or neglect present, or has been present within the past three years. At the same time staff members will report suspected cases to the principal and/or pastor. A written report must be filed within 72 hours of the verbal report. Neglect is defined as a serious failure to provide education, food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or as prenatal exposure to a controlled substance. Abuse is physical, sexual, or emotional maltreatment.

Custodial and Guardianship Issues

Where parental custody of a student is an issue, parents/guardians must supply custodial and guardianship information to the office by the first day the child attends school. In the case of divorced or separated parents, it will be presumed that both parents have full parental rights and equal rights to custody of the student unless a judicial decree stating otherwise is supplied to the office. Written notification should be provided regarding to whom, besides the parents/guardians, the child may be released during the school day.
Holy Family Academy teachers and staff are not permitted to be involved in custody cases, including but not limited to, speaking or submitting a written testimony on behalf of one or the other parent/guardian.
 

Fire / Tornado / Evacuation / Lock Down Drills

Fire, tornado, lock down, and evacuation drills serve to inform the students of evacuation and precautionary procedures to be followed should a dangerous situation arise. Such drills are serious and require a prompt, quiet, and obedient response from everyone. Teachers will give instructions for exit and protection. Students will be taught the plan as it applies to the various locations on school and church grounds.
 

Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Holy Family Academy, including both the student and faculty body, will be consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at the beginning of every school year. In August all registered families will receive a family packet that includes the Novena for Consecration to begin nine days before our Consecration Mass.
“The more we honor the Blessed Virgin, the more we honor Jesus Christ. We honor Mary only that we may all the more perfectly honor Jesus, since we go to her only to find the end we are seeking, which is Jesus.” St. Louis DeMontfort

Sacramental Preparation and Reception

Because our school attends daily Mass, we have the opportunity to receive Jesus in the Sacrament of Holy Communion every school day. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available most Mondays and Fridays.

Preparation programs for First Confession and First Communion are in second grade. In addition to classroom preparation, there are two retreats that students are expected to attend, one for Confession, the other for Communion. Students make their First Confession in winter and their First Communion in spring.

Prayers

Students are required to memorize grade level prayers. In addition, all students pray the following daily:

Sign of the Cross (said in Latin before and after all prayers)
In Nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen

Morning Offering
O My Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all of the intentions of Your Sacred Heart: the salvation of souls, reparation of sin and unity of all Christians. I offer them for the intentions of our Bishops and of all Apostles of Prayer, in particular those recommended by our Holy Father this month. Amen

Prayer for Purity
O Mary, model of pure love, obtain for me the grace I need to safeguard the purity of my body, my mind, and my soul. Amen

Angelus
V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, full of grace...
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done unto me according to Thy Word.
Hail Mary, full of grace...
V. And the Word became flesh.
R. And made His dwelling amongst us.
Hail Mary, full of grace...
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
E. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an Angel, may, by His Passion and Cross, be brought to the glory of the Resurrection, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen

Meal Prayer
Bless us O Lord, and these Thy gifts which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen

Regina Coeli (prayed in place of the Angelus during the Easter Season)
V. Queen of heaven, rejoice!
R. Alleluia!
V. For He whom thou did bear,
R. Alleluia!
V. Has risen as He said,
R. Alleluia!
V. Pray for us to God,
R. Alleluia!
V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary!
R. Alleluia!
V. For Our Lord has risen indeed!
R. Alleluia!

Let us pray:
O God, Who, through the Resurrection of Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ, did determine to fill the world with joy; grant we beseech Thee, that through the Virgin Mother Mary, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

Sports Activites

Holy Family Academy participates in the Monsignor Coates Youth Organization of the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis (MCYO). Current sporting teams include soccer, basketball, volleyball, and floor hockey. Growth in virtue and skill development is emphasized over wins and losses.