ST. JOSEPH PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION
FAMILY HANDBOOK
·
Grade 1-6
·
Grade 7-8
·
Sacramental
programs
·
First
Reconciliation
·
First
Eucharist
·
Confirmation
·
Rite of
Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC)
·
Home Study
·
Absenteeism
·
Tardiness
·
Supplies
·
Classroom
treats
·
Communication,
Field Trips
·
Early
dismissal
·
Emergency
procedures
·
Cancellation
of classes
Christian
Behavior /Discipline
·
Rights and
Responsibilities
·
Expectations
·
Consequences
Safety
·
Drop-off/Pick-up
procedures
·
Early
Dismissal
·
Classroom
visitors
Welcome
to
Families are asked to
review this handbook together and to keep it as a reference throughout the
year.
The ministry of the
PSR is to provide formal religious education into our Catholic faith and to
nurture a growing relationship with God: Father who loves and creates us, Jesus
our brother and Savior, and Holy Spirit who breathes in us the fire of
faith. This ministry is extended not
only to the children enrolled in this program, but to their families as well.
Vatican II reinforced families as the first and foremost experience of the
Church community for children. It is in the family (the
The PSR Office is
located in the administrative office section of the school building.
Carrie Sallwasser
Coordinator of Religious Education
PASTOR: Rev. Thomas Santen
ASSOCIATE: Rev. John Wetmore
IN
RESIDENCE: Rev. Robert Marshall
COORDINATOR
OF
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Carrie
Sallwasser
PRINCIPAL: Jeanne
Dandino
ASST.
PRINCIPAL: Michael
Larson
YOUTH
MINISTER: Tom
Lancia
LITURGIST:
RCIA/RCIC
COORD. Kathy
Crouse
PSR
ADMINISTRATIVE
ASST.
– PRIMARY Fran
Crowley
PSR
ADMINISTRATIVE
ASST.
– MIDDLE/JR. HIGH Pat
Belding
PSR SECRETARY: Debby
Marshall
___________________________________________________________
MAILING ADDRESS:
PHONE: 636-391-1404
FAX: 636-391-1462
E MAIL psr@email.com
OFFICE HOURS: Sun.
Mon. -- Fri.:
PRESIDENT AnnaLiezel
Yosel
VICE PRESIDENT Nancy Heet
SECRETARY Patrice
Regan
MEMBERS Tori Devereaux
Cathy Dobrynski
Donna
Faust
Karen
Gissy
Laurie
Hiegel
Stephanie
Hornsby
Anne
Hruz
Rita
Knesel
Craig
Lawson
Patrice
Regan
JoAnn
Skelton
Becky
Smith
MEMBERS, EX OFFICIO Fr. Tom Santen
Carrie
Sallwasser
Patrick
Belding
Fran
Crowley
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.” (John 14:6)
THE
PHILOSOPHY OF ST. JOSEPH PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION
We believe Jesus is the reason for our existence. We believe
that the Gospel message is central to the integration of religious truths and
values with our lived life experiences.
We believe that the primary responsibility for the faith
formation of the child resides within his or her family group. We also believe the total religious education
of the child is more effective when family, parish community and the parish religious
education program have the same vision, speak the same language and are jointly
committed to seeking the
We call our children and their parents to seek the
Through the experience of liturgical catechesis
(word/worship) and socialization (service/community) we assist both children
and parents as they seek Jesus in the everyday experiences of their lives.
Believing in and relying on the love and guidance of God;
Father, Son and Spirit,
We welcome all as Jesus would, adapting to meet each
individual’s needs, learning styles and faith experiences. We strive to fulfill this mission in
partnership with parents. We affirm and
support parents as they guide their children to a fuller knowledge,
understanding and participation in the sacraments, prayer, worship, stewardship
and community life of the Catholic Church and of
Through our joyous faith sharing, families are brought
together to share in the life-lone opportunity to know God, share the message
of Jesus and to help each young person to discover what it means in his/her
life to live in a unique personal relationship with the Lord and his Church.
We pray for God’s grace, Christ’s love and the gifts of the
Holy Spirit to accomplish this mission.
These goals are
overall for grades 1-8. It is our mission to achieve these goals over the
period of 8 years of enrollment into the PSR.
No one grade level can cover all of these goals; each grade’s individual
curriculum goals builds and spirals upon the previous year, using age
appropriate resources. Grade level goals
will be distributed at the beginning of the year.
These ten goals are
broken down into domains.
Students will express
understanding of the Triune God and the activity of the persons of the Trinity
in their lives; they will demonstrate the importance of a personal relationship
with God in their lives and in the life of the community.
Students will express
a basic understanding of Jesus, his life and teachings; they will recognize
Jesus as their Savior and model for Christian living.
Students will describe how the Church carries out Jesus’ mission of message, community, worship and service; the structure and functions of the Church in the world; and key developments in the history of the Church, including the role of Mary and the saints.
Students will participate in the worship of the faith community, use a variety of prayer forms to enrich and express personal and communal spirituality, plan Liturgy and prayer experiences with appropriate resources and demonstrate an understanding of the liturgical seasons, feasts, saints’ days and sacramentals.
Students will
participate in the sacramental life of the Church, recognizing the Eucharist as
the source and summit of Christian life; they will express an understanding of
the nature, importance and ritual of the seven sacraments and the
sacramentality of all creation.
Students will demonstrate knowledge of Sacred Scripture as the inspired Word of God revealing God’s plan for salvation, and will read, interpret and apply Scripture to their lives.
Students will demonstrate understanding of authentic Catholic teachings as promulgated by the Magisterium of the Church and apply these teachings to all life situations.
Students will demonstrate understanding of Catholic moral teachings, make moral decisions consistent with these teachings, and especially exhibit a respect for life toward self, others and creation.
Students will
exercise responsible stewardship for the gift of creation, share their time,
talent and treasure in service to the community as response to the Gospel call,
and evaluate societal structures in sight of Catholic social justice
principles.
Students will exhibit a welcoming and inviting attitude toward all persons encountered in the broader community and share their Catholic identity, beliefs and practices.
St. Joseph Parish
School of Religion is open to all registered families of St. Joseph Parish
whose children either attends public schools or are home schooled. Families must be registered in the parish
before enrolling their children in the
Registration begins
in April. Families must register each year.
Registration must be completed and filed in the Religious
Education Office before the child can be admitted to class. The child’s
baptismal certificate must be on file in the Religious Education Office if the
child was not baptized at
PSR fees are as follows:
Grade
2-8
Tuition
paid by June 1 After
June 1
1st child $ 130.00 $180.00
2nd child 210.00 260.00
3rd child 290.00 340.00
Grade Pre-K – 1st
1st child $ 65.00 $ 85.00
2nd child 125.00
145.00
3rd
child
185.00
200.00
St.
Joseph PSR, as a parish program, is financially subsidized 55% through the
stewardship offerings of its parishioners.
NO CHILD WILL BE REFUSED
ADMITTANCE BECAUSE OF FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES. If you are experiencing financial
difficulties, please contact the PSR office for a financial aide form. All information will be kept confidential.
St. Joseph Parish
School of Religion provides both formal religious education and faith growth
opportunities for children grades Pre-K through grade 8 who are either enrolled
in public school or are home schooled. But in our focus on children, we also
reach out to provide faith formation opportunities for parents and families, so
that all may grow in relationship with our Lord and Savior. We have developed a
three tier approach to PSR in order to meet the needs of all members of our
community.
Students
The PSR follows the
Archdiocesan guidelines for Parish School of Religion programs. All policies
and procedures flow from these guidelines.
They are designed to ensure Catholic education and faith development in
safe and positive learning environments.
As per these
guidelines, St. Joseph PSR meets at least 33 times a year. Class time for Pre-K through First grade is
on Sunday at.
Class time for Second
through Eighth grade is on Monday evening, from
Annual calendars can be found on the front
inner cover and back cover of this
handbook.
A brief overview of the various programs PSR offers follows:
Pre-school – 1st grade
This is a classroom
centered formal religious education program.
It is held on Sunday morning,
Grades 2- 8:
This is a
classroom-structured formal religious education program. It is held on Mon. evening from
Grade 7-8 Home-based classes:
Another option
offered for Jr. High students is PSR in small faith community settings that are
based in the home. The home based option
also uses Harcourt-Brown as their textbook series, and is encouraged to attend
all liturgical and sacramental services.
Home Study
For families whose
schedule may not coincide with the offerings of the classroom settings, we do
offer Home Study. Families are given the child’s text and grade level
curriculum goals and objectives and encouraged to work at their own pace.
Additional support and resourcing is provided by the coordinator, as requested. Home Study families are invited and
encouraged to attend all liturgies, prayer services and PSR events.
Sacramental Programs:
Children who are not
baptized, and those baptized, but who have not celebrate the sacrament of
Eucharist are to be enrolled in RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children)
and will be enrolled in the PSR the following year, after the reception of the
sacraments.
It is a policy of St.
Joseph parish that all sacramental programs are two years in length, and the
student must be enrolled, and participating, in these preparatory periods (1st
and 2nd grade for First Reconciliation and First Communion, 7th
and 8th grades for Confirmation).
Parents are expected
to help prepare their child for the reception of Reconciliation and First Holy
Communion. Materials will be provided.
An integral part of
the Sacramental program is meetings for parents. These meetings give us an opportunity to
focus on the meaning and power of these sacraments. AT LEAST ONE PARENT IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND
THESE MEETINGS. Parental involvement is
further encouraged through a variety of activities, which are described at the
meetings.
Regular attendance at
Mass is a concrete way of our living out our commitment to worship with our
parish faith community. Therefore,
regular attendance at Mass, as well as PSR classes, is a vital necessity for
the children who are being led to fuller participation in the Church life,
especially through the reception of First Communion.
Preparation for the
reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Communion begins in the first
grade. The sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated in the fall, and First Communion
is celebrated during the Easter season. Sacraments are by their very nature
parish celebrations so children from both
All children must
have celebrated the sacrament of Baptism prior to celebrating First
Eucharist. The Child’s baptismal
certificate MUST be on file in the
Religious Education Office
The sacrament of
Confirmation is celebrated in the eighth grade. Confirmation preparation begins
in 7th grade and continues in 8th, with focuses on the
sacrament, service, and community. Retreat experiences will be provided along
with the catechesis.
Parents
We proclaim parents
are the primary religious educators of their children. Our role is to partner
with you and to assist you in this vital role.
We offer a series of opportunities to grow in knowledge and faith
throughout the PSR year. Once a month there is a session focused on various
facets of our Catholic faith and/or tradition.
There is also an opportunity almost every month for parents to worship
or provide service with their children during PSR. A calendar is on the inside
back cover.
Families
In order for our
faith to make sense, it must be lived out and experienced. We offer quarterly opportunities for families
t o come together for service, shared exploration of our faith and traditions
and to worship together. A calendar is
on the inside back cover.
Regular class
attendance is strongly encouraged. A
record of attendance will be kept on file during the child’s enrollment.
Absenteeism:
Frequent inattendance
makes it difficult for children to master the material designated for that
grade level. Parents are asked to
contact the teacher if there have been frequent absences (two or three
consecutive absences due to illness) so that the parent can supplement at home
what has been lost from the classes missed.
Texts and necessary
materials are to be brought to each class.
Tardiness:
Our time together at
PSR consists of 75 minutes a week for a minimum of 33 weeks. Therefore, it is imperative that students are
prepared for class on time. A child will
be marked tardy if he/she arrives after the first 10 minutes of class. Records will be kept by teachers and reported
to the CRE. Excessive tardiness will
result in contact with parents to determine the situation. Any student arriving tardy must go first
office to pick up tardy slip to take to class.
Textbooks, writing
instruments, paper, etc. are provided by PSR. In the event that a textbook is
lost, a $20.00 replacement fee will be charged.
Everyone enjoys
treats, especially at birthdays or special occasions. Again, our time here in PSR is limited so,
please, if you do wish to bring treats, clear it with your child’s teacher
first. As per concerns over Hepatitis the Archdiocese requests that all snacks
be pre-packaged. All treats should be as
non-messy as possible. Our catechists,
who must clean up the room after class, thank you!
In case of accident or illness 911 will be contacted immediately, and then the child’s parent will be notified. If a parent cannot be reached, we will contact the individuals you have listed as your emergency contacts. To expedite contact, please provide cell phone and pager numbers.
In case of
emergencies such as fire or tornado, teachers will give directions for evacuation
and/or other safety measures.
Field Trips that add meaning to the program will be discussed at in service sessions with catechists and must be approved by CRE. Student must have returned sign consent forms before attending any field trip.
Progress
Reports
The Archdiocesan Report card, designed for the use of PSR, is mailed home in December and June. Copies are kept in your child’s permanent file. If your child applies to a Catholic high school, we will send the school a copy of the permanent file. Students are not graded on their faith, that is, a personal relationship with God. Student will be graded on knowledge, participation, behavior and homework.
Early dismissal of a
child will be permitted ONLY after checking in with the office and completion
of Early Dismissal Form. Parents, or the
designated adult, may then go to the classroom for the child. Children will not
dismissed from class without an adult.
Notification to the
Religious Education Office should be made if a child is withdrawing from the
program.
You will be notified,
via phone chain, of any cancellations due to inclement weather. The Religious Education Office will make the
decision by
DO NOT CALL THE
RECTORY.
In all of our
dealings with the children, the overriding virtue binding us together is
genuine love, which leads to concern and respect for one another. Our disciplinary policies are in keeping with
this virtue.
Catechists will
provide general classroom rules to your children. They will
discuss these rules
thoroughly with the children and assign appropriate consequences.
The catechist, with
the support of the parents, challenge the young person to grow in the faith and
develop a healthy Christian acceptance and respect for self, others and property.
If a behavior problem
occurs, the catechist will call you to discuss the problem and possible
solutions. Your suggestions in terms of what works for your child are always
helpful. If this step fails, the child
with be sent to the CRE who will arrange for the appropriate intervention,
which includes parental conferences. Three interventions with the CRE and the
child will be removed from the program for the year and will have to complete
the year at home. We do not expel any child from PSR, but require parents to
work with them at home. All materials will be provided. At the second
intervention, parents will be notified by the CRE and reminded of this
procedure. At the third intervention, a
parental conference will be called with parents, CRE and pastor.
If the child completes the year’s work at
home, s/he will be welcomed back into the classroom for the next year of PSR.
¨
We respect
others in our parish community.
¨
We show good
learning behavior and contribute to a good learning and faith sharing
environment
¨
We treat
parish property as personal property in an appropriate manner
¨
We behave in a
manner that promotes the safety of self and others.
We state in our
philosophy that Jesus is the center of our faith and the center of this Parish
School of Religion. Therefore we also hold that Jesus is the role model that
all members of this educational community; administrators, catechists, students
and parents, pattern their behavior after.
We are bound together, by virtue of our faith, as the Body of Christ. As
members of His body, we have certain rights and responsibilities. In order ensure a positive and productive
learning and faith-sharing environment, all need to understand and accept these
rights and responsibilities.
RIGHTS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
I have the right to a
formal religious education and to learn about Jesus and His Catholic Church.
THEREFORE
I have the
responsibility to come prepared to learn about Jesus and His Church.
I have the right to
be treated with dignity and respect
THEREFORE
I have the
responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect.
I have the right to
be the unique individual God had created.
THEREFORE
I have the
responsibility to be considerate and kind to others, as unique individuals God
has created.
I have the right to
be safe while attending the Parish School of Religion
THEREFORE
I have the
responsibility to make this school safe
I have the right to
expect personal property to be safe
THEREFORE
I have the
responsibility to not take or destroy the property of others.
I have the right to
utilize parish property
THEREFORE
I have the
responsibility not to damage or misuse parish property.
I have the right to
hear and be heard.
THEREFORE
I have the
responsibility to maintain a peaceful environment.
Expected Behaviors:
Based on this code,
students are expected to exhibit the following behaviors:
In Church, students
¨
Enter and exit
quietly
¨
Participate in
the Liturgy or Prayer Service
¨
Display
reverent behavior at all times
¨
Are attentive
and courteous
In the Classroom,
students,
¨
Show respect
for teachers, aides and classmates
¨
Are prompt and
prepared for class
¨
Follow
classroom directions and rules.
¨
Are respectful
of property belonging to parish and others.
In the hallways, students
¨
Walk to their
destination
¨
Maintain order
so as not to disturb others
Consequences
Students are
responsible for their own behavior, their own choices. Should they make an
inappropriate choice, consequences will include, but are not limited to; name
on the board, phone calls home by catechist, visiting the Office, phone calls
home by Coordinator, conferences with parents, students, catechist, Coordinator
and pastor. If behavior does not change, parents will be asked to work with
their children at home in a home –study situation. PSR will not expel a child from the program,
but will remove them from the classroom situation if situation warrents
it. See beginning paragraphs under Discipline.
Students are not to
wear hats to school. Clothing with obscene messages is not allowed. If that type of clothing is worn, the student
will be sent to the office and the parent(s) will be called to provide
appropriate alternative clothing.
The safety of
children is paramount. It is the responsibity of the PSR to establish
procedures to ensure the safety of all students the entire time they are on
parish property. All procedures that are
established are done so the safety of every child is first and foremost in
mind. A particular challenge of evening PSR is arrival and dismissal,
especially in terms of darkness and traffic safety patterns.
Building security has
become critically important in light of incidents throughout the country. For
the safety of the children, only the office and gym doors will be open during
Sunday morning sessions. On Monday
evening, the gym door will be locked promptly at
Violence Policy
St.
Joseph PSR will provide a safe learning environment for all students,
catechists, families and volunteers. We hold that Jesus is the center of all
that we teach and act. We, therefore, believe that all persons are to be
treated with respect in accordance to the gospel values taught and modeled by Jesus.
Violence
is contrary to the gospel values that we revere and will not be tolerated. Violence
is defined as words, gestures, and actions that results in or have the
potential to result in hurt, threat or injury. Violence includes threats of
injury, harassment, assault, possession and/or use of a weapon; and theft or
vandalism of property.
Anyone
who brings a weapon, or makes threats of a weapon will b reported to local law
enforcement. Parents will also be notified. A weapon is defined as any object
either designed for causing harm (i.e. firearms, knives) or any object capable
of harm that is being used, or threatened to be used in harmful manner.
Anyone
acting in a violent manner, or making threats of a violent nature will face
immediate consequences ranging from parent conferences to class suspension (the
option to home study would be offered so that a child is not totally removed
from religious education). The exact consequence will be determined by the
administration and based on the nature and frequency of the offense.
(Passed
by Advisory Board 2/02)
Harassment
policy
St.
Joseph PSR will maintain an environment that is free from harassment.
Harassment demeans an individual and is contrary to the gospel message that
Jesus taught and modeled.
Harassment
is defined as any unwanted and unwelcome behavior that interferes with a student
or catechist’s performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive
learning environment. Harassment included physical, visual and sexual forms of
behavior or possession of like materials.
Consequences
will be determined by the administration in accord with local legal and mental
health professions recommendations, along with parental notification and
involvement. The nature and frequency of
the offense also determine consequences.
(Passed
by Advisory Board 2/02)
Communicable
Disease Policy
(Passed
by Advisory Board 2/02)
Children are brought
to the classroom by parents. Only the
doors by the main entrance will be open.
Children are not to be left in classroom unattended.
Children are to be
picked up by parents at their classroom door. Students will not be dismissed
unless in the care of an adult.
Children are to enter the building by either the main
entrance, o the cafeteria entrance (on parking lot). The cafeteria doors are locked for security
purposes at
Students are to remain outside of classroom until catechists
there—no student should be in a classroom unobserved.
We have established a parking lot procedure to Monday
Evening classes. With an enrollment of several hundred students it is
imperative that each parent follows a safe and orderly dismissal procedure.
There will be a police officer at the bottom of
1.
ALL traffic
will enter the parking lot from the North Entrance (the one-way entrance north
of the church).
2. There will be no parking allowed on
.
2.
ALL children
will be dismissed to the parking lot from the entry between the Parish Office
and the gym. They will not be permitted
to walk to another destination to meet their ride. (there are no crossing
guards)
3.
All traffic
will move forward and down the lanes of the lot. Please park accordingly –
THERE IS NO BACKING UP. Please see diagram for further explanation.
4.
Please use the
diagram to determine where you are to park.
This has been designed so that the youngest children have the shortest
distance to walk.
5.
Plan to arrive
early.
6.
At.
7.
TO ENSURE TOTAL SAFETY, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT NO TRAFFIC
MOVES UNTIL THE FLAGS GO DOWN.
8.
We encourage
you to turn off your engines and stand outside your car so that you children
can find you.
9.
When all are
safe inside cars, flags will go down (except for entrance) and cars will move
forward down
10.
After all cars
have exited, the entrance will be opened for late arrivers to park and pick-up
your children.
11.
Parent volunteers
will help supervise dismissal. No students are involved.
12.
The small lot
next to the church is reserved for Catechists.
It will be blocked off at dismissal.
LET’S MAKE THIS WORK FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN.
Tornado,
Earthquake and Fire Drills
A fire drill will be
conducted twice a year. Catechists are
responsible for practicing tornado and earthquake drills in their classroom.
.
St.
Joseph PSR relies heavily on the stewardship of parents and parishioners to
serve as catechists, aides, PSR Advisory Board members, safety patrol and
various other support areas.
During registration a
checklist of volunteer opportunities is provided and parents are asked to
choose three areas of stewardship.
Catechist
Classroom
Aide
Music
catechist
PSR
Advisory Board
Liturgy
Assistant
Safety
Committee
Public
Relations