Important General Information 

ABSENCES: Parents are to call the school from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m. on the day their child will be absent. If a child is not present when daily attendance is taken and the school has not been notified, parents will be contacted. We strongly urge parents not to keep children at home except for good reasons. The only excused absences are illness of the students or serious illness, death or emergency in the immediate family. Extended trips are encouraged to be taken during scheduled times off. If this is impossible, please contact the principal or teacher well in advance.

ACCIDENTS/SUDDEN ILLNESS: In case of illness or accident the principal is to be informed. The teacher is responsible for the sick child until he/she is released to the home. A reasonable effort will be made to contact parents in the case of an accident or sudden illness. If the accident or illness is judged to be serious, an ambulance will be called at your expense and your child will normally be taken to the emergency room of the St. Cloud Hospital, or if on a field trip, to the nearest available medical facility
* Identification card for Emergency or illness: Each family must have on file in school, an Emergency Card, completed by the parents, for use in the event of accident or illness. Cards will be sent home with the Open House packet. Be sure to notify the school if your telephone numbers change throughout the school year.
** A child is never dismissed or sent off the school premises for any reason without permission of the principal or secretary.

ACCIDENT INSURANCE: (See Insurance)

ACCREDITATION: St. Wendelin School is fully accredited by the Minnesota Nonpublic School Accrediting Association (MNSAA). This is a nationally recognized Association and many standards of excellence must be achieved and maintained to earn this status from year to year.

ACHIEVEMENT TESTING: (See Testing)

ADMISSION & REGISTRATION: Children entering Kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before September 1 of the current year. Health information, shots, and other valuable information should be given at the time of registration (in Spring preceding the opening of school, or as soon as possible thereafter). According to Minnesota Law, children must present a statement of immunity to diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella, signed by parent or family physician. In the course of the year, you may be asked to update the child's health card information. If your child was baptized in a parish other than St. Wendelin, a copy of the baptismal certificate is required.

AFTER SCHOOL: (See Picking up Children)

ANTI DISCRIMINATION: In the operation of St. Wendelin School, no child will be discriminated against because of race, gender, color, national origin, age, or disability.

ASSEMBLY PROGRAM: Assembly programs help build school spirit and are held for special occasions throughout the school year. Song fests, Lenten, Advent gatherings, plays and para-liturgies are samples of assembly programs.

ATTENDANCE: (See Absences)

BAND/PIANO LESSONS: The band program offered at St. Wendelin school is offered through Cathedral High/John XXIII. The instructor is shared by many schools. The instrument rental and lesson fees are the responsibility of the student. Individual lessons are scheduled during school hours. A group lesson is held at Cathedral once a week. The parents/guardians of band students are responsible for transportation. Piano lessons are also available to students during school hours. Students must independently contact the instructor.

BEFORE SCHOOL: Bus students may enter the building when their bus arrives. No student is to be "dropped off" before 7:00 A.M., except by prearrangement with the principal or with a signed note from his/her parent. Students who walk to school should not arrive before 7:15 A.M.

BEHAVIOR: (See Discipline)

BIKING: The decision as to whether a child rides his/her bicycle to school rests totally with the parents. Parental discretion is advised when allowing children to bring bicycles to school. Things to consider are: safety factors, as well as the possibility of theft or damage to the unattended bicycle. Bikes are not to be used during free time as means of recreation. The school does not take responsibility for bikes if they are stolen or damaged.

BIRTHDAY BOOKS: Our Birthday Book Program offers an opportunity for students to buy a birthday book for our school library. The book will be inscribed "My Gift to the Library", along with the date and the name of the student.

BOARD OF EDUCATION: (See Governance)

BUS: According to District rules, all children have been assigned a bus for transportation. Children are to go home as soon as possible after school. No child, without permission, is to remain on school premises longer than 3:00 p.m.

BUS SAFETY: Teacher supervision has ended by the time the last bus has left, leaving all further responsibility for children to parents. Children may only ride their assigned bus. If a child is to go to a baby-sitter, a child care request form must be completed by the parent. These can be obtained by contacting the school or Spanier Bus Service. Rules for bus safety are taught, by the faculty, to all students in September.

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT REPORTING POLICY: Teachers and school personnel are mandated by Minnesota statutes to report any suspect physical or sexual abuse and neglect of children under the age of 18 that may have occurred within the past three years. The report will be made to the local welfare agency, police department, or county sheriff.

CLEANING: Keeping school materials in good order is the responsibility of everyone. Students should have rooms picked up so the custodian is able to clean the rooms. If the room is going to be vacuumed, each student is to place his/her chair on the top of the desk at the end of the day. Desks need to be washed periodically - a job for students. Students should dust window ledges, baseboards, bookcases, etc. weekly. Older students may be asked to sweep the cafeteria and hallway and help in the lunchroom.

CLOSING OF SCHOOL, EMERGENCY: (See School Closing)

COMMUNICATION WITH HOME: The better you get to know your child's teacher and the more often you talk together, the better chance there will be to maximize the learning experience. Don't just send your child to school... JOIN the experience and become a partner!

COMPLAINT: If you have a complaint, go directly to the person with whom you have the complaint and attempt to resolve it. If you make a reasonable and sincere effort to resolve the complaint and you are still not satisfied, go directly to the administrator.

CONFERENCES: Parent/Teacher conferences occur formally twice during the year. Don't let this be the only time you visit with your child/ren's teachers.

D.A.R.E.: Drug Abuse Resistance Education is a program offered to public and private schools through the Stearns County Sheriff's Department. In our school it is offered every other year to the students in grades 5/6. The focus of D.A.R.E. is to teach children the skills to say: "NO" to alcohol and other drugs. A highly skilled officer spends an hour a week for 17 weeks in the school. It is a carefully structured program which is well received by the students and the community.

DENTAL: You are encouraged to take your child to the dentist at least twice per year or according to a schedule advised by your dentist. Please try to make dental appointments after school hours or on free days. The school does not provide any form of dental insurance; however, you are encouraged to take advantage of the accident insurance offered at the beginning of each school year.

DIOCESE OF ST. CLOUD: St. Wendelin School is organizationally under the governance and jurisdiction of the Diocese of St. Cloud and the Roman Catholic Church.

DISMISSAL: (See Picking up Children)

DRESS CODE: (See Student Dress)

EMERGENCY EVACUATION: If we needed to quickly evacuate our building and the immediate area, our students will walk to the church and Spanier Bus will be called to transport students home.

EUCHARIST: Teaching children to participate in the Liturgy intelligently is an important characteristic of Catholic education. Therefore every possible effort will be made to make the Mass meaningful for your children. Although Mass attendance is optional, all children are encouraged to attend Mass. If children are on school premises during the time Mass is being celebrated, they must come to Church. The school is not responsible for students during Mass time unless they are in Church.

EVALUATION: (See Testing, Progress Reports & Conferences)

FIELD TRIP: Class trips are valuable because they provide concrete learning experiences and provide opportunities for training in courtesy, safety and good citizenship. A permission slip must be signed, and returned to school before the trip. They are also good methods to stimulate children's interest in their community.

A transportation fee is sometimes necessary on field trips outside the area.

FOOD TREATS FOR CHILDREN: If your child wishes to treat his/her classmates on special occasions, we suggest you bring commercially prepared non-sweet treats such as crackers, nuts, and/or fruit. Gum chewing is not permitted at school or on class trips.

FUND RAISING: We need to raise about $15,000 to meet the fund raising line item on the school budget. Each year we have a Workathon, Carnival, and a Magazine sale. Every family is asked to participate in fund raising activities.

GOVERNANCE: The Board of Education has been established to oversee education programs at St. Wendelin School, to determine policies relating to the planning, operating and maintenance of facilities and equipment and to create better support and understanding of Catholic education. The Board is composed of six elected members and the pastor. The principal is an ex-officio non-voting-member. Nominations for new members shall take place before the May meeting and elections to be held before the June meeting. Terms shall expire June 30 each year. If you wish to address the Board, please contact the principal at least 10 days in advance of the meeting so that your concern may be placed on the agenda. Parish Board of Education meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 in the Media Center. First parent letter will notify parents of who the board members are.

GRADING: (See Progress Reports)

HARASSMENT (Discipline): Harassment is unwanted or uninvited behavior directed by one person toward another. This kind of inappropriate behavior, including some forms of speech, is a form of violence. As with all violent behavior, the consequences are serious. If your child is the victim of harassment, take these immediate steps: 
1) Help your child to tell the perpetrator, No! I don't like your behavior toward me!
2) Immediately inform your child's teacher that this is happening to your child,
3) If a satisfactory resolution is not reached, immediately inform the administrator, and
4) If a satisfactory resolution is still not reached, immediately inform the pastor and/or a member of the Board of Education.
If your child is the perpetrator of sexual harassment:
1) Direct your child to stop the behavior.
2) Closely monitor your child's behavior to be sure that the unacceptable behavior has stopped.
3) If applicable, help your child to apologize and reconcile with his/her victims, and if appropriate.
4) Seek professional treatment. Sometimes an older child against whom sexual harassment or sexual misconduct behavior has been alleged might be referred to law enforcement authorities.

HOMEWORK: Parents are encouraged to work with their children as this can be a true means of deepening the love between parents and children. However, please do not do the work for them. Check to see if the child's work is completed and if it is neatly done. If it is necessary to help your child with written work, please indicate that you did so, at the top of the paper. This will instill in your child, a sense of honesty. If a child frequently seems to have an excessive amount of homework, please check with the teacher. Perhaps the child is not using school time the way it should be use.

IMMUNIZATIONS: (Shots, Medical) State law provides that no child will be allowed to enter a school building who has not first been immunized against German measles, red measles, rubella, diphtheria, pertusis, polio, and mumps. A certification of immunization must be on file at the school for each child.

INSURANCE: National Catholic School Insurance is available for the students. It covers accidents happening on school grounds or to and from school. Notices will be sent home on the first day. Please return these as soon as possible. Be sure to report all accidents to the school office to ensure proper coverage.

KINDERGARTEN SNACK: Milk is offered free of charge to all kindergarten students through a government sponsored program. Students will be asked to bring snacks to share with the class.

LIBRARY/AV: Students from grades K-6 may utilize the school library. Books must be checked out before any child may take them for use. Books are due one week from the check out date. Two books at a time may be taken out. Books must be paid for if lost or damaged .

LOST & FOUND: A lost and found box is kept in the office.

LOW INCOME LUNCH: If you have a modest income and/or a large family, you may qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. Many families unknowingly don't apply for this benefit because of mistaken assumptions about income levels. Please do not hesitate to apply. It actually helps our school if you use this program. Applications are available from the school office and can be filled out anytime during the school year.

LUNCH: Well balanced nutritious lunches are served each day at St. Wendelin School. The cost of the meal includes the milk.

Reduced and Free Lunch
Reduced price meals are available. In order to receive Free or Reduced price meals, an application form must be completed and on file in the school. Your application is kept confidential and all children are treated the same regardless of ability to pay.

"Offer vs. Serve"
The school lunch program is on an "offer vs. serve" basis. This means that of the five components offered, the student must select at least three for the lunch to be determined a State Approved lunch. The components of a State Approved lunch are:

1 component ...................................meat or protein food
1 component....................................milk
1 component....................................bread/grain
2 components.................................3/4 cup vegetable and/or fruit

The school office maintains a record for each family showing payments of lunches or milk taken. We ask that lunch and milk be prepaid. You will be sent a notice when your money is used up.

Students will not be allowed to trade lunches with other students. No pop is allowed for lunches.

Breakfast
We also have a Breakfast program. Breakfast is offered at 8:15 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays immediately following Mass and on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30.

MEDICATION: Only prescription medications can be dispensed at school and those only if there is NO viable alternative.

A child may not be given ANY prescription medication or aspirin etc. without the permission of the parents and physician. Medication sent to school must come in its original container with full written instructions regarding the taking of the medicine. The bottle should have the identification of the student, the name of the physician, and name and dosage of the drug. Dispensing of the drug will be done by authorized school personnel ( school nurse, secretary or principal) as stated on the prescription.

Absolutely no medication will be given without written authorization. A permission form is included in your Open House packet. More forms are available in the office. If it is necessary for your child to take prescription medication, bring the signed form with the proper prescription bottle to school. The medication should be brought to the office by a parent and picked up by a parent if any medication remains in the container.

MONEY: When sending money to school with children ( for milk, lunches etc.) put it in an envelope marked with the child's name, amount and purpose for which the money is sent. (New envelopes need not be used!) LUNCH & BREAKFAST, SCRIP, TUITION, PICTURES, MARATHON OR FUND RAISERS and FIELD TRIP money are all separate accounts and require separate checks for deposit in the proper account.

NEWSLETTER, PARENT COMMUNICATION: Every week you will receive a brown envelope which is sent home with the oldest child who comes to our school. In this envelope we will put Scrip orders and any other information about our school.

NURSING SERVICES: Our building does not have a full-time nurse, but nursing services are assigned to our school on a part-time basis by ISD #742. These services are provided through your tax money. The nurse will normally coordinate vision, hearing, and scoliosis screening, certify all immunizations, monitor special health needs (e.g. diabetes, allergies, etc.), review all accidents and sudden illnesses that occur at school, and is on-call for emergency situations.

PARENTAL RIGHTS: Recent state and federal legislation has guaranteed parents and students access to student educational record information and control over the release of this information to others. Federal stature requires that education institutions shall annually inform parents and eligible students of the rights accorded them. This announcement will serve as this year's notice to parents and students.

St. Wendelin's School collects student data and maintains educational records on all students in order to comply with state regulations, facilitate the educational program and provide for parent's communication. These records include identifying data (age, address), academic grade, attendance records, test results, psychological reports, student activities, and student's future plans.

The safeguarding and proper maintenance of current records are the responsibility of the principal. At the close of each year, a designated school staff member shall review the records and remove outdated and inappropriate data and information.

A student's records may be seen or reviewed only with the written permission of the parent or the student (if 18 years of age or older) except under the circumstances cited below:
1. Administration and staff employees of the school district have access to school records in connection with their school functions, and responsibilities.
2. Student records will be forwarded upon request to other schools and post-secondary educational institutions to which a student transfers/applies for admission, or in which he/she enrolls.
All student records shall be reviewed and shared with the student (18 years of age or older) or parent, upon request, within a reasonable period of time. Parents who are interested in seeing their children's records should make an appointment with the school principal or appropriate school officials and, upon presenting proper identification, will be provided the opportunity to see the records and to receive interpretations and explanation of these records. Students 18 years of age or older who wish to see their records should follow the same procedure. If there is incorrect, inaccurate, or misleading information in a student's records the parent or student has the right to challenge the content of the records and to request the principal to have the materials corrected or removed. If the correction is not made the student/parent may ask for a hearing and resolution on the matter before the pastor or his designated representative. The student and/or parent has the right to obtain copies of these records on payment of a fee not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction. Federal and state statutes and regulations permit certain individuals and agencies not mentioned in earlier paragraphs to see educational records without parents or student permission. Accordingly, educational records may be shown:
1. To state and federal agencies as required by law or in connection with auditing of federal and state grant-in-aid program.
2. To individuals in compliance with a court order or lawfully issued subpoena. The school shall attempt to notify the parent of such order or subpoena prior to release of records.

PARTY INVITATIONS: Please be aware that passing out birthday or other party invitations at school often causes much awkwardness for students. We ask you to avoid sending invitations to school. Please handle them through other channels.

PERSONAL ITEMS BROUGHT TO SCHOOL: The only time students should bring toys, games, radios, etc. to school is when their teacher instructs them to do so. Students will assume responsibility for any item brought to school. The school does not carry insurance for such items, so please be aware of the risks involved.

PESTICIDE APPLICATION: At this time St. Wendelin School does not apply any pesticides. If St. Wendelin School applies pesticides, parents will be notified.

PETS: Pets may be brought to school with the permission of the teacher. The pet may not remain for the entire session, unless it is in a cage or container.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION: If for some reason a child should not participate in the physical education program or recess activities parents are to inform the teacher in writing or by phone.

PICKING UP CHILDREN: All students are expected to return home immediately following dismissal from school. If children are not to take the bus, you must inform the school. Parents are asked to come into the school to pick up any children that are not taking the bus. If students are to be released during the regular school day, the principal and the homeroom teacher should be notified by 8:00 a.m., either through a phone call or a written note indicating the reason and time the student is to be released. When picking up your child, report to the secretary's office; please do not go directly to the classroom.

PROGRESS REPORTS: Progress reports and conferences are one of the principle means of communications and contact between the home and the school. Therefore, there will be two parent-teacher conferences scheduled during the school year. There will be an Open House for parents preceding the beginning of school.

At the end of the first quarter = Conference and a progress report.
At the end of the third quarter = Conference and a progress report.

Progress will be communicated to parents mid-quarter if necessary.

RECESS: Except for extremely cold or rainy days, all children grades one through six will be required to go outside for recess, unless a written excuse from the parents is presented to the teacher. Please dress your child accordingly for the weather (See Student Dress). The area behind the bleachers is forbidden territory unless accompanied by the teacher. Children must show due respect and obedience to the teachers and supervisory personnel. (See Playground Rules found in Appendix.)

REGISTRATION: (See Admission)

REPORT CARDS: (See Progress Reports)

RIGHT TO KNOW: The Right to Know Law is concerning the proper labeling and storage of any and all poisonous material in the school, ie cleaning solutions, chemicals used in science classes, etc. Therefore, it is your "right to know" what chemicals we use in school and the treatments for toxic exposure. Material Safety Data Sheets are kept in the areas where the materials are stored.

SAFETY OF CHILDREN: It is a goal for St. Wendelin school to be a safe environment for all children. There are many forms of safety, including physical safety, social safety, and emotional safety. If you have questions, comments, or concerns regarding the safety of your child, please notify the teacher or administrator. If your child is ever being teased, abused, bullied or harassed, including at bus stops or on the bus, please let the teacher or administrator know immediately.

SCHOOL CLOSING: Emergency School Closing, due to severe weather or for any other reasons, will be announced over WJON radio or KCLD radio. These radio stations list school closing several times during their early morning radio programs. St. Wendelin School follows the District 742 school closings. When school is two hours late for the District, it starts late for St. Wendelin School.

Kindergarten students will not meet on days that school starts two hours late.

***Note Parents are free to pick up their children when severe weather threatens, even though the District may not have called for school closing.

SCHOOL HOURS: District 742 Transportation buses our students to St. Wendelin's School. Our students arrive at 7:15 and leave at 2:35. The Kindergarten day will begin at 7:30 A.M. and end at 10:35 A.M.

SCHOOL BAGS: We ask that all children carry their books in a plastic or cloth bag of some kind. It is imperative that each child have a bag labeled and use it. Children must care for the books they use, and pay for them if they are damaged. If a book is lost or damaged, the purchase price of a replacement must be paid.

SPECIAL LEARNING: This program is sponsored and funded by the state. Students who are handicapped (vision, hearing, emotional, behavioral or educational) are eligible to apply for participation. The teacher or parent/guardian may request that a student by tested for this program. Parents/guardians must give permission before any testing or service is given. If a child qualifies for the program, service is given in a neutral site.

SPEECH PROGRAM: Any child who qualifies for speech instruction is entitled to service through the public school district. This service may not be given on church property, but will be given at a neutral site. Students are serviced by District 742.

STUDENT DRESS: Proper dress is an important part of a wholesome classroom environment. Clean clothes that are neat and well fitting and modest is all that is expected. Hair should be worn neatly, and should be well-groomed. Students are not to wear unnatural cosmetics. T-shirt logos with negative messages and sleeveless attire will not be allowed. Baseball caps and/or hats are removed upon entering the building.

WINTER WEAR: During the snow and mud season, boots, snow pants, hats and mittens must be brought to school and worn outside. Supervisors will make the decision if they must be worn. Children that are not dressed to go outside will sit quietly and read in the cafeteria.

SHORTS: Shorts and skirts must be to mid-thigh or longer. No shorts may be worn for Mass. Students may change after Mass.

STUDENT SUPPLIES: Students attending St. Wendelin School will be furnished with all the necessary textbooks and workbooks. A school supply list for other materials will be available at the end of the previous school year, and also in the school office or on the tables in the back of church.

TEACHERS: Teachers are available after school until 3:00 P.M. Monday through Friday for consultation with parents on progress, problems, or difficulties a child may be experiencing. Parents are encouraged to contact teachers about any concerns. You may wish to set up a special conference after school hours.

TELEPHONE: The telephone will not be available for children's use except in emergency situations. It is recommended that in cases of bad weather, provisions for transportation be arranged in advance. Teachers and children will be called to telephone during classes, only in case of emergencies.

TESTING: The full Battery Achievement Test, Iowa Basics, will be administered in the fall to Grades 3 and 5. In grades 2, 4, and 6, students will receive the Survey Test. Achievement scores may be shared with the parent, and emphasis should be placed on growth rather than on grade level. It should be kept in mind that these results are not infallible and are only one indicator of the child's achievement.

TUITION: St. Wendelin school does have an interschool parish school subsidy in place. Other parishes that have students attending St. Wendelin School will be responsible to pay the difference between the cost of educating a student minus the tuition paid.

VIDEOS: During the school day students and staff at St. Wendelin's school will view "G" rated videos. Teachers may use their discretion about videos other than a "G" rating if they feel they may enrich their specific curriculum. All videos other than "G" rated must be previewed by the teacher.

VISION AND HEARING: (See Nursing)

VOLUNTEER: Please volunteer in whatever way you are able. If you work during the day, you can still help by volunteering for jobs that can be done evenings and weekends.

WEAPONS: When a potential weapon (jack-knife, switch blade, gun, etc.) is reported, the individual will be confronted by the administrator. If the item has several uses but is potentially dangerous, the individual will be asked to remove the item permanently from the grounds and parents/guardians will be contacted. If the sole purpose of the item is that of a weapon, suspension is required. A full investigation will be performed before acceptance of reinstating enrollment.

WORK-A-THON: Every year we have a Fall Work-A-Thon. Students are asked to raise money by seeking pledges from relatives and neighbors. Usually the first Saturday of October we, with the help of Luxemburg Lions, will clean road ditches in the Luxemburg area.