Saint Finbar School Handbook

School Philosophy

Mission Statement

We are a Catholic Parish School where our students are guided to an understanding of the dignity, uniqueness and value of each person. We strive to create an atmosphere where spiritual, intellectual, psychological, social, physical and aesthetic growth can take place within each student. We envision that this anticipated development and growth would result in our students taking responsibility toward becoming productive and effective Catholic leaders for today’s society.

Rationale

The statement of philosophy is revised annually in order to meet the challenge of educating children in a changing world. More specifically, we strive to assist and encourage each child to become a contributing member of the world community and most importantly to grow in his/her spiritual life.

Goals and Objectives

Spiritual Goals

To provide opportunities for spiritual growth and faith experiences:

1. Teachers will strive to develop a spirit of prayer in every student by incorporating a variety of prayer experiences.

2. Teachers will integrate Christian values and morals in all areas of the curriculum.

3. Teachers will participate in and provide opportunities for students to actively participate in weekly Masses.

4. Teachers will incorporate the use of a variety of teaching modalities to enhance religious experiences such as Biblical reenactments, videos, prayer services and sacramental experiences.

5. Students are encouraged to live out the Gospel Message by completing required Service Hour projects and by participating in charitable donation drives.

Intellectual Goals

To provide a well balanced curriculum:

1. Teachers will meet often to evaluate and enhance the curriculum. The Curriculum Coordinators for each subject area lead faculty meetings, and provide resources for all staff members.

2. The school follows the California State Standards for each academic area. These standards have been enhanced by the Los Angeles Archdiocese Department of Catholic Schools to reflect Roman Catholic values.

3. The ITBS results are used to evaluate student progress, and make adjustments to the curriculum.

4. Teachers address the individual learning styles of each student, and make accommodations whenever possible.

5. Teachers will supplement the curriculum in order to meet the needs of the students by utilizing the library, computer center and audio-visual materials.

6. Teachers will enrich their classes through field trips, guest

7. speakers, and the use of other community resources.

8. Teachers will attend in-services, classes and meetings in order to upgrade and sustain their professional growth.

9. Teachers will communicate through a variety of methods in order to inform parents about the progress of their child’s work.

Psychological Goals

To encourage the development of a positive self-image and self-respect within each student:

Teachers will show respect toward each student and be available to discuss problems privately with students.

Teachers are conscience of the fact that some students need encouragement in order to join class discussions, and each teacher strives to give equal attention to all students.

The disciplinary philosophy of the school uses positive reinforcement to reward good behavior along with negative reinforcement when behavior policies are violated.

Teachers are trained to recognize when a student needs special attention. In these cases the administration makes outside professional referrals.

Both teachers and students are trained to recognize and address child sexual abuse through the Virtus (staff) and Good Touch Bad Touch (student) programs.

Sociological Goals

To guide students to an understanding of their Catholic Christian commitment to the world:Teachers will discuss with the students the needs of the global community and their responsibility toward these needs.

Teachers will encourage the students to help with charitable projects many of which are located in our local Burbank community.

Teachers will encourage the students to have respect for one another’s person and property.

Teachers will use public and/or community services to enhance the curriculum and promote growth and development.

The principal will serve as liaison between the school and the wider community.

Teachers and principal will provide opportunities for guest speakers from the wider community to enhance the curriculum.

Teachers will provide opportunities for students to participate in student government.

The school sends a student representative to serve on the Burbank Youth Board.

Physical Goals

To create an atmosphere where healthy physical growth can take place:

An office assistant is available to help with emergency first aid.

The school provides opportunities for families to participate in general health screening throughout the year.

Health, safety and physical education are provided for each student in grades K-8.

Health and nutrition standards are taught in each grade.

The staff receives training in CPR, First Aid, and Disaster Preparedness.

Aesthetic Goals

To provide opportunities for the development of an artistic sense as well as, to enhance the individual talents bestowed by God.

Teachers will create opportunities for artistic expression within and outside the classroom.

Teachers will provide opportunities for music appreciation and musical expression in the classroom.

Teachers will invite guest speakers and artists to supplement and enhance the music curriculum.

Teachers will showcase students’ projects, class work and fine arts creations.

The school celebrates the artistic gifts of the students each Spring at Fine Arts Night.

St. Finbar Parish School Handbook

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policies

St. Finbar Parish School admits students of any race, sex, color, or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

St. Finbar Parish School adheres to the grievance and arbitration procedures of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Diversity Policy of Saint Finbar Parish School

The administration of Saint Finbar Parish School recognizes that our students come from a variety of family backgrounds, some of which may not fully conform to the moral teachings of the Catholic Church.

The personal family background of a student does not constitute an absolute obstacle to enrollment in the school. However, acceptance of any child for enrollment in the school does not imply approval of or condone any parental living situation that may be contrary to Church teachings.

The primary purpose of Saint Finbar Parish School is the education of young people in order to assist them in their academic, personal and spiritual growth.

Parents and guardians who enroll their children understand that the school will remain faithful to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and steadfast in proclaiming them. While present on the school campus and at school sponsored events, every adult has the responsibility of supporting the school’s mission by demonstrating appropriate conduct and acting as a positive role model to our students.

Schedule for the School Day

. 7:30 Teachers arrive

. 7:30 Gates are opened. Both valet service and supervision begins.

. 7:45 Students line up for Morning Assembly.

. 7:50 Assembly begins. Gates are locked.

. 10:15 – 10:30 Recess

. 12:00 – 12:40 Lunch recess

. 2:50 End of school day.

Tuesday dismissal is at 1:30.

Before School Procedures

Students and families not using the valet service Must enter through the pedestrian gate located on Keystone Street. Please do not use the Olive Entrance before 7:50am.

The gates are locked at 7:50am. Students arriving after that must use the Olive Ave Entrance, and receive a late pass to enter class.

After School Procedures

Gate supervision lasts 15 minutes after the last bell; the gates are locked at 3:05pm and supervision ends at this time. On Tuesday the gates are locked at 1:45pm. Students may not wait outside the school gates to be picked up. Remaining students will be checked into the After School Program and charged $25.00.

If a child has the parent’s permission to walk home or walk to an area off campus, a note must be provided to the school office.

Liturgy Schedule

Daily Mass is offered at 8:00 am in the Parish Church. All parents are invited to attend with their students’ class.

Class Mass days are as follows:

Monday: Grades 1 and 2

Wednesday: Grades 3, 4, and 5

Friday: Grades 6, 7, and 8

Once a month grades K-8 attend liturgy together (please consult the school calendar for these dates).Procedures

Please do not interrupt classes for any reason while school is in session. Please check in with the office when you arrive at school.

Forgotten lunches, books, glasses, etc, may be left in the Administration Office. Please do not make personal deliveries to the classrooms.

Attendance

We begin each day with prayers at the outdoor Morning Assembly at 7:50 am. If a student is absent, a parent must call between 7:30am and 9:00am to inform the office. This is also the time to request homework assignments for the absent student. If the parent knows the night before that the child will not be in school, please leave a message on the voice mail (818-848-0191). A student who will be out for an extended period must get pre-approval from the principal and teacher (s).

Returning From An Absence

When a student returns from an absence, he/she must bring a note from the parent to the office before being readmitted to the classroom. This note should be brought to the office prior to 7:50am. Even if the child fails to bring a note from the parent, he/she still needs to report to the school office to be readmitted to class.

When a student is absent for more than 12 days during a grading period, he/she may not receive grades.

Tardy

Please get your child to school on time. Entering the classroom late gets the child’s day off to a bad start and is very disruptive to the teacher and other students. Students who are tardy more than 3 times in a trimester will receive a consequence. This can range from detention to losing credit for the class. This will be strictly enforced.

Appointments

It is very disruptive to have students coming and going throughout the day.

Please keep any student appointments made during school hours to a minimum. Students leaving the school grounds must always be checked in and out at the office by a parent/guardian.

When a student is absent for more than 15 days during a grading period, he/she may not receive grades.

Communication with office

Wednesday envelopes are sent out each week with the youngest child. These must be signed and returned on Thursday. This is our main communication vehicle with the parents, so please return your envelopes on time each week. Information contained in the Wednesday envelope is very important. Please take the time to read it each week.

Families that do not return their envelopes by the following Tuesday will automatically be issued a new envelope and charged a $1.00 replacement fee.

Playground Rules

When the first bell rings students should take a final bathroom and drink break. When the second bell rings all students should be lined up. All playground rules are based on Christian sportsmanship, fair play, and the reasonable resolution of disagreements. Hands and feet should be kept to oneself. Students must ask for assistance if a problem persists.

1. Students must stay in designated areas.

2. Students are not allowed to bring personal play equipment to school

3. Students may not talk to strangers outside the schoolyard.

Lunch

Please make sure that your child comes to school with a lunch. Please do not drop off your child’s lunch later in the day; this is very disruptive for the front office.

1. Hot lunch questions/requests should be directed to M & F Kitchenette (818—841-0705) and not the school office.

2. Candy, gum and soft drinks are not allowed on campus.

3. Nutritious snacks should be provided for morning recess.

4. Fast food is not permitted.

5. If a student does not have a lunch, classmates will be asked to hare with him/her. Do not assume M & F will provide a lunch if your child does not have one.

6. Students are not allowed to receive deliveries from outside food vendors.

Field Trips

Students must have a written permission form to attend all field trips. Absolutely no phone permission will be permitted. Non-school age children are not permitted on field trips.

Chaperones who drive must leave a copy of their driver’s license and current insurance card with the office one day before the field trip.

Uniform Policy

Students are required to be in complete uniform every day. Regulation navy sweater/jacket are the only acceptable outer garment.

1. Shoes are black, navy, or white tennis shoes or Vans. Shoes must be tied. Kindergarten students may wear any type of shoe, such as cartoon characters, as long as they are not open toe.

2. Girls may wear navy long pants (K-8), jumper (K-4), skirt (5-8), uniform shorts (K-8), or skorts (K-8).

3. Boys must wear either navy long pants or navy walking shorts with belts. All pants must be worn at the waist level. No over sized pants are acceptable.

4. All students must wear white polo shirt with St. Finbar Logo on it (girls may wear a white blouse).

5. All students must wear the official Saint Finbar Physical Education niform purchased at Crown Uniform. The Junior High (6,7, & 8) have different PE shorts; please contact Crown for more information.

6. Jewelry must consist of medals or crosses worn around the neck. Only stud earrings may be worn. Only one stud earring in each lobe. No bracelets of any kind.

7. Hair must be well groomed and not dyed. Boys: Hair must be above the collar, and well above the eyebrows. Extreme hairstyles are not acceptable.

8. No make up or nail polish is permitted. This includes French tip nd clear nail polish.

Students will be given a uniform infraction for violating any of the above regulations. A detention is given on the third infraction.

Mass Attire

The dress uniform must reflect our reverence for the house of God.

1. Boys must wear long navy pants, a white tailored shirt, a tie and navy vest or sweater.

2. Girls must wear a skirt or jumper, a white tailored blouse, a tie and navy sweater or vest.

Casual dress / free dress

This should always be appropriate and in good taste. Dressy jeans, capris, and walking shorts (just above the knee) are acceptable. All shirts and blouses must have sleeves. Skirts and dresses with slits or scooped fronts, off the shoulder or backless dresses are not permitted. Clothes that reveal the midriff are not allowed; low cut jeans are also not permitted. Any student violating the free dress guidelines will lose their free dress privileges for the year. (This means they will have to wear the school uniform on future free dress days).

Report Cards

Grading Scale: (1-8 grades)

95 and above A

90 through 94 A-

87 – 88 – 89 B+

83 – 84 – 85 – 86 B

80 – 81- 82 B-

77 – 78 – 79 C+

73 – 74 – 75 – 76 C

70 – 71 – 72 C-

67 – 68 – 69 D+

63 – 64 – 65 – 66 D

60 – 61 – 62 D-

59 and below F

Grading Scale: Kg

Mastered concept M

Meets expectations S

Needs more time to develop T

Progress Reports

These notices are used to inform and warn parents if a student is in danger of failing or falling below a C- in any subject area. Progress Reports are usually sent mid-trimester but can be sent at any time during the grading period.

Communications with Parents

Weekly / monthly letter, calendar of events, papers sent home, portfolios or telephone calls are means of communicating with parents. Student grades can be accessed via the Internet using Powerschool. Please contact the office for your individual password and other information regarding Powerschool.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Formal Parent-Teacher Conferences are held at the end of the 1 st Trimester. Additional conference will be arranged as needed during the school year and parents will be notified. Parents and teachers should communicate with each other as often as necessary to eliminate difficulties and look for solutions to learning challenges. Any parent who wishes to meet with a teacher for any reason must call and make an appointment through the office. Please be respectful of the teachers’ time.

Homework

Assigned homework should be an extension of the day’s concepts and be fully explained. The students are required to hand homework in on time. It should be neat and legible. Each assignment should have the proper heading on it: Name, Date and Assignment.

Homework Times

The amount of time spent nightly doing homework will vary. Generally it will follow these estimates. Please remember some students may require more time.

Kindergarten (20 minutes).

Grades 1 and 2 (30 minutes).

Grade 3 – 6 (1 hour).

Grades 7 – 8 (2 hours).

Grades 1 – 8 have assignment books. Parents should check these books each evening. Long-range assignments are given throughout the year. Please be aware of the time frame given to the student for completion of such projects.

Christian Service Hours

This is an integral part of our training for the students.

1. Grade 6 must complete 15 hours of service.

2. Grade 7 & 8 must complete 25 hours of service.

3. Although not required, Grade 5 is encouraged to do service hours that will count toward their religion grade.

Service Hours must be completed at prepared venues, and students are responsible for keeping track of hours served. Hours are checked mid-year. Final hourly forms are due at the end of May. These Service Hours are required for graduation.

Emergencies

1. Student Insurance is provided for all students. This is through the Archdiocese and is planned to assist parents with medical expenses incurred due to an accidental bodily injury sustained by a student while attending school, or a school sponsored and supervised activity.

2. It is imperative that the office has current emergency information. Please fill out the required forms and update them when necessary. Children will only be dismissed to those people listed on the emergency forms.

3. Please do not send a sick student to school. It only diminishes his / her learning and spreads the illness among classmates and teachers.

4. Medication must be accompanied by recent written permission of an attending doctor. Please ask the office for the official form to be completed by the doctor.

5. Fire drills are practiced on a monthly basis and under the guidance of the Burbank Fire Department. We are monitored via a two-way radio through the Burbank Unified School System.

6. We are in compliance with the Archdiocesan emergency directives. Students will be kept at school during an emergency until an authorized adult (18 or older) signs them out. If your child’s last name starts with A through L use the Keystone Gate for an emergency pickup; students M through Z use the Oak Gate.

7. In case of natural, local, regional or national emergency, please listen to your radios. We will follow local public policy.

Restrooms

For the safety of our children, all students, staff, and visiting adults have designated restrooms:

Early Fives through Grade Two Restrooms outside of main office.

Grades Three through Five Restrooms off of the playground.

Grades Six through Eight Restrooms on the second floor.

Staff Faculty Lounge.

Visitors Parish Hall by rose garden.Please use the assigned restrooms while on campus.

Additional School Regulations

1. Students may use the office phone only in case of an emergency. Forgotten lunches, schoolwork, or permission slips do not constitute an emergency.

2. Students must pay for lost or damaged books. All hardcover books must be covered.

3. Chewing gum is never allowed. This includes before or after school time, as well as at school functions.

4. Fines or detentions may be imposed for any of the above infractions.

5. No personal play equipment is allowed on campus.

Cell Phones

It is not necessary for students to have cell phones. The main office serves as the main communication vehicle between parents and students. We do realize that some students need phones to communicate with their parents after they leave the school grounds (going to the library, attending and/or participating in athletic events, etc). If it is absolutely necessary for your child to have a phone for the reasons stated, then the student must check the phone in with his/her teacher in the morning and check it out after school. Students may not use their cell phones on campus. Students who violate the school cell phone policy will lose their privilege to bring a cell phone to school

School Discipline

The directives in this handbook, together with the additional classroom, school and playground rules, which are not given here, are intended as a mean of insuring order, safety, and an environment in which teaching and learning can take place.

St. Finbar Parish School aims to create an atmosphere, which is enlightened by the Gospel spirit of charity, love of God and neighbor. Therefore, great emphasis is placed on respect. Students must show respect to priests, teachers, parents (their own and others), staff members, volunteers, visitors and one another.

Property, whether it belongs to the school or other students, must be treated respectfully. When a student is a constant cause of disruption in class, it may be necessary, after consultation, to transfer the student to a new learning environment.

One special aim at St. Finbar Parish School is to help each student develop self discipline and personal accountability to such a degree that Catholic Christian conduct will be his / her normal behavior. We know we share this aim in common with parents. We realize we can count on your cooperation. Each teacher has his/her own set of classroom rules along with rewards for compliance, and consequences for violations. These guidelines are distributed and explained during Back to School Evening.

Policy and Discipline

Discipline is said to be attained in classroom or school when students work cooperatively with the principal, teachers and their companions toward the attainment of the class and school objectives. The governing body of any school may suspend or expel students for misconduct when other means of correction fail to bring about proper conduct.

Detention

Detention is normally the consequence for violating school rules. Detention is held every Wednesday and Friday from 3:00pm to 4:00pm in the Parish Hall. Parents will receive written notice one day prior to a child’s detention. Parents need to pick up the child from the Parish Hall Entrance at 4:00pm. Late pickups will be charged a Day Care fee. Detention is also held at 7:15am on any given day. Students who have morning detention must enter through the Olive Ave Entrance.

Conditions of Suspension

1. Any of the reasons listed for expulsion with mitigating circumstances is adequate cause for suspension of a student.

2. Saint Finbar Parish School has Zero Tolerance for hitting, bad language, sexual harassment, talking back, and disrespect. Students can be suspended immediately (parents will have to come and pick up the child) for such violations.

3. The principal may schedule a conference with the suspended student’s parents to discuss matters pertinent to the suspension, especially the means by which the parents and the school can cooperatively encourage the student to improve behavior.

4. A Disciplinary Report, written by the Principal, will accompany each suspension. This report will then be placed in the student’s file.

Expulsions from School

The following offenses committed by children while under the jurisdiction of the school are reasons for expulsion:

1. Continued willful disobedience.

2. Open persistent defiance of the authority of the teacher.

3. Habitual profanity or vulgarity.

4. Smoking or having tobacco.

5. Use, sale, or possession of narcotics.

6. Willfully defacing school property (writing on desks, graffiti, etc).

7. Stealing

8. Use, sale, distribution or possession of any alcohol for beverage purposes on or near the school premises.

9. Excessive tardiness, absenteeism or truancy.

10. Assault or battery or any threat of force or violence directed toward school personnel or students.

Behavior Outside of School

A student may be suspended or expelled for inappropriate behavior that takes place outside of school (after school, weekends, over summer, etc). Our students represent the entire Catholic Community of Saint Finbar while off campus so proper behavior is expected.

Parental or Guardian Initiated Expulsion

A student can be asked to leave school if a parent or guardian is not cooperative. This includes consistent violations of school policies, insulting or abusive language towards a staff member, a negative attitude, and/or the spreading of rumors.

Guidelines For Use Of Electronic Communication Systems and Devices

The following guidelines apply to all electronic communications systems which include, but are not limited to, electronic mail, voice mail, facsimile machines, stand-alone or networked computers, the Intranet, the Internet and the World Wide Web, and to electronic communication devices of any kind (for example, phones, computers, audio and video equipment, and iPods, MP3 players , wireless devices), including those students bring with them from home to school .

Parents are required to explain these policies to their child/ren, including primary grade students.

Guidelines for Use of School Computers, Related Electronic Communications Systems and Other Electronic Communication Devices:

All school electronic communication devices, all school computers and related electronic communication systems, all information stored on them, and all work performed on them, are governed by these school policies and are subject to school supervision and inspection.

The school reserves the right to monitor, access, retrieve, read, and disclose all messages, information and files created, sent, received, or stored on its systems (including connections made and sites visited) to law enforcement officials or others, without prior notice.

Students may only use the system at school under the direct supervision of a staff member. During school hours while on school premises, students may not use any electronic communications devices that they bring from home without direct approval of a staff member and under direct supervision of a staff member.

Any files downloaded from the Internet and any computer disks received from non-school sources must be scanned with virus detection software. Immediately report any viruses, tampering, or other system breaches to the principal.

Students and parents will promptly inform the teacher or other school personnel of any message received that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable.

The school will not be responsible for continually supervising or monitoring every communication and Internet session for every student.

Students using school computers and/or related electronic communications systems and/or electronic communication devices may not:

Violate any school conduct or educational rules.

Engage in conduct that does not accord with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church .

Post personal contact information about self or others without specific teacher oversight. Personal contact information includes name, screen name, address, telephone, school address, parent/s name/s, work address, etc.

Agree to meet with someone they have met online without their parents’ approval and the presence of a parent at any meeting.

Use obscene, defamatory, disruptive or threatening language.

Harass, insult or attack others.

Send comments or images that would offend a reasonable person or organization on the basis of race, creed, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, political beliefs, or disability .

Upload, download, view or otherwise transmit copyrighted, trademarked, patented, or indecent material, trade secrets, or other confidential, private, or proprietary information. Regarding copyrighted materials, certain exceptions are given for educational purposes and if there is any doubt, students must consult with their teachers. Engage in any other illegal act, such as the pirating or unauthorized distribution (such as “podcasting”) of copyrighted materials, music or film, or arranging for the purchase or sale of any drugs, alcohol, or regulated substances and goods.

Employ the network for commercial and/or or political lobbying purposes.

Access material that is profane or obscene (pornography), that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or illegal, improper discrimination towards others.

Damage, alter, disrupt or gain unauthorized access to computers or other systems; e.g. use others’ passwords, trespass on other’s folders, work or files.

Enable unauthorized persons to access or use the school’s computer systems or jeopardize the security of the school’s electronic communications systems.

Alter, without authorization, the start up screen or the desktop, or download applications that will subvert these functions.

Introduce a virus, attempt to breach system security or tamper with the school’s computer system.

Re-post a message that was sent privately without permission of the person who sent the message.

Download large files unless absolutely necessary. If necessary, students will download the file at a time when the system is not being heavily used.

Post chain letters or engage in "spamming" (sending an annoying or unnecessary message to a large number of people).

Students may not use school facilities or equipment to transmit any radio frequency signal that is not permitted and/or licensed by the Federal Communication Commission or that would violate FCC rules or policies.

Use computer systems for the design, development, distribution or storage of any works of programming or software unless explicitly permitted by the school staff.

Guidelines for Use of Computers or Personal Electronic Communication Devices:

We expect our parents to be equal stakeholders in the implementation of our computer and technology system policies by monitoring their child’s Internet access and electronic use outside of school in a manner supportive of the school’s policies. Inappropriate electronic communications among students outside of school or in school using personal electronic devices, may subject the student to disciplinary action.

Students may not:

Threaten the safety or reputation of the school, its staff or students.

Post personal contact information about other school personnel, teachers, or students. Personal contact information includes name, screen name, address, telephone, school address, parent/s name/s, work address, photos, email addresses, cell phone numbers, etc. Use obscene, defamatory, disruptive language toward or about any school personnel, teachers or students.

Harass, insult, defame, bully, attack or invade the privacy of any school personnel, teachers, or students.

Send comments, text or images to school personnel, teachers, or students that would be considered offensive on the basis of race, creed, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, political beliefs, or disability .

Damage, alter, disrupt or gain unauthorized access to school computers or school systems; e.g. use others’ passwords, respass on other’s folders, work or files.

Enable unauthorized persons to access or use the school’s computer systems or jeopardize the security of the school’s electronic communications systems.

Consequences for violating any of the above guidelines:

Suspension or permanent loss of access.

Disciplinary action, including but not limited to suspension and even expulsion, depending on the gravity of the offense, at the principal’s discretion.

Involvement of law enforcement agencies. Parent Conduct

Parents and students are expected to follow the appropriate chain of communication (contact school personnel first; if issue is not resolved, then contact the principal, pastor, and the Archdiocese) in communicating problems or issues with the school.

Posting inappropriate comments about the school, its personnel or students, on the web and via emails does not constitute following the appropriate chain of communication.

The school reserves the right to ask parents to withdraw their children in such cases where parents fail to abide by these policies.

Tuition

St. Finbar Parish School operates primarily on the income it receives from tuition. Therefore, it is extremely important that tuition payments arrive on time. When tuition is not received as expected, the regular operations of the school are placed in jeopardy.

All families must use Facts Tuition Management Program if choosing not to pay tuition in full. Your account will be assessed $25.00 for returned items and late payments.

Active supporting St. Finbar Parent Parishioners

Families registered at St. Finbar Parish Church who meet the following criteria are considered Active Parishioners:

1. Students are baptized in the Latin Catholic Rite.

2. Parents and students attend Sunday and Holy Day Masses at St. Finbar Church.

3. Family meets stewardship criteria –

1. Regular use of the weekly church envelope with a $20.00 or more per week ($1, 040.00 per year) donation.

2. Sharing of time and talent in a church ministry.

Contributions are evaluated once per year to determine eligibility for the following school year. In order to receive the Active Parishioner Rate for the 2007-2008 school year, your contributions for the 2005 calendar year must be a minimum of $1, 040.00.

If you are experiencing difficulty in payment of your monthly tuition, the following policy will be in effect:

1. Always inform the office and FACTS in a timely fashion; this saves added penalties.

2. If you choose not to notify FACTS or the school office and your account is 2 months in arrears, your child will be asked to leave Saint Finbar until the situation is remedied.

St. Finbar School 2007-2008 Service Hours and Fund-raising Obligations

The tuition that families pay at St. Finbar School covers only a portion of the costs of educating their children. In order for the school to fully fund these costs, St. Finbar School relies on fund-raising to bridge this gap.

St. Finbar School families are expected to fully participate in both Service Hours and Fund-raising. Each family has the opportunity to choose from the options listed below. These options provide families the opportunity to tailor participation to their unique family circumstances.In addition to the Service Hour and Fundraising Obligations, each family is required to purchase one book of Fiesta Tickets.

Service Hours

34 hours of general service to the school

6 hours at the annual St. Finbar Parish Fiesta

40 total service hours are required.

Families will be charged $25 per hour for Fiesta Service not served.

Families will be charged $10 per hour for general service not completed.

15 hours of general service to the school may be substituted by purchasing goods at a value of $10 per hour. For example, if you purchase $20 worth of drinks and paper goods for an event at the school, you may get credit for 2 general service hours. No more than $150 of goods may be purchased towards general service hours. Note: These contributions do not count toward fund raising requirements.

There are many ways to complete your service hours. Please contact you child’s teacher, or our Vice-Principal, for service hour opportunities. Your physical presence at the school in the form of Service Hours is very important to your child.

FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES

2007 - 2008 SCHOOL YEAR

There is a $350.00 Fundraising Requirement for each family. At Saint Finbar we offer a variety of fundraising opportunities so that families don’t have to pay the $350.00 “out of pocket.”

Some people choose not to participate in any of the fundraisers, and simply pay the $350.00 that is then tax deductible. Of course, if you take this option we would still appreciate your participation in the fundraisers since this would be very beneficial to the school.

Below is a description of the fundraising opportunities at Saint Finbar Parish School.

School Wide Fundraisers : These fundraisers generally include gift-wrap, candy, cookie dough, catalog sales, etc. Please make these available to your family, friends, and coworkers. A percentage of the gross amount goes toward your requirement.

Scrip : What is Scrip? Scrip is an easy way for you to fundraise, and it costs you nothing! You purchase cards that can be used at various stores and restaurants like cash. For example, you can buy $200.00 worth of Smart and Final Scrip, use it for your regular purchases, and the school gets a percentage as a rebate. This rebate is then credited toward your requirement. Scrip order forms are sent out in the Wednesday Envelope, and must be returned to the office with a check or cash by 3:00pm Thursday. The other type of Scrip is called eScrip. This is when you register a store club card (like Vons or Ralphs) on-line, and the school receives a percentage of what you spend every time you use that club card.

Some of the other scrip type programs include Washington Mutual Debit and Target Visa Cards. These programs benefit the school but do not count toward family fundraising requirements. You will be apprised of the various scrip opportunities throughout the year.

Matching Grants : Many businesses and corporations will match employee donations to schools. Depending upon the amount donated, you can receive credit toward your fundraising requirement. Details about the Matching Grant Program are available in a separate publication. Please ask the office for a copy.

Payroll Deductions : Employees using payroll deductions for community care programs may designate Saint Finbar Parish School. Please contact your employer.

Cash Donations : Some families are blessed to have large financial resources, and can therefore contribute much more than the minimum requirement. Since our school is a 501 (c) (3) institution, donations are tax deductible. We would ask families in this category to consider Saint Finbar School when planning your annual charitable contributions.

Fund-raising

Each family is expected to provide $350 of fund-raising support to the school through any combination of the following:

1. Tax-deductible Contributions: tax-deductible contribution via cash or check payable to “St. Finbar School”.

2. Scrip: Scrip profit must be earned by April 30. All scrip purchased or eScrip credited after April 30, will be applied to the next school year.

3. “All-School Fund-raisers”: You will be notified in advance when an “All-School” fund-raiser will take place. Please note that only designated fund-raisers will count toward this basic fund-raising goal. Other “targeted” fund-raisers may be held for specific improvements, i.e., computers, athletic equipment and classroom activities. These targeted fund-raisers do not count toward the $350 fund-raising obligation.

All fund-raising support is based on profit to the school, not amount of scrip or items purchased. Each type of scrip or fund-raiser has its own rofit margin.

The $350 fund-raising support must be earned by May 15. If you have not met your obligation by this date, you will be billed a surcharge for the fund-raising you have not earned for the year. For example, if you raise $250 in fund-raising profit through May 15, the school will bill you for the remainder of $100. Important Note: If the school bills you for the balance, this amount cannot be considered a tax-deductible contribution. You must voluntarily provide a cash gift prior to May 15 in order for it to qualify as a tax-deductible contribution.Examples of How Families Tailor Fund-raising to their Unique Circumstances

Example A

This family prefers to participate in the school’s fund-raisers. Prior to the specified date, the family purchases scrip to generate $175 in profit and sells enough gift-wrap through the All School fund-raisers to generate an additional $175 profit. This family has provided the school with the necessary $350.Example B

This family is not always able to predict how much or when it can purchase scrip or participate in fund-raisers. This family writes a tax-deductible contribution check for $350 at the beginning of the school year.

Example C

At the beginning of the school year, this family sets a goal of actively participating in eScrip and the All-School fund-raisers to raise the $350. n early April, the family realizes that it will not raise the full amount before May 15. This family is $63 short of the $350 goal. On April 10, this family writes a $63 check to the school as a tax-deductible contribution.

Example D

This family does not have the $350 available to write one check to support the school. This family writes a monthly check for $35 to the school as a tax-deductible contribution. (August to May, 10 months.)

Parent Teacher Organization

The PTO’s purpose is to promote parental involvement for the school’s programs, and to advise, support and assist the school when called upon.

PTO Meetings

In addition to Back to School Evening, there are four PTO Meetings. They start at 6:30pm in the Parish Hall. All grade level teachers and the administration are present. Parents receive two service hours for attendance. Please remember to sign in with your child’s teacher.

Please make every effort to attend the PTO Meetings. Along with prayer, information, and fellowship, we often have very interesting guest speakers.

PTO Board Members for 2006/2007

Co-Chairs – Marissa Garcia & Fritzie Cruz

Vice Chair – Lucy Platner

Fund Raising – Susy Yamarone, Colleen Atkinson & Kat Lotz
TeenAthletics – Victor Pozos

Events – Jillian Kelly & Leonard Ty

Community Service – David LaFrance

Staff Liaison – Rosy Hungerford

School Office Phone Number: (818) 848-0191

Fax Number : (818) 848-4315

Email Address: finbar4545@yahoo.com