IHM Board of Catholic Education Policies
The Board of Catholic Education of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish speaks through its policies. It is the responsibility of the Board to promulgate and review policies to guide the operation of the Parish Programs and Immaculate Heart of Mary School. IHM parish programs follow the policies and guidelines of The Department of Catholic Education. In concert with and in addition to the diocesan policies, the Board of Catholic Education of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish is pleased to share below, those local policies which have been reviewed and approved. Policy review is an ongoing process and therefore the list below is not yet complete. As policies are reviewed and approved, they will be placed on this web page.
Each policy and guideline is annotated with its date of adoption and subsequent review dates, and a reference is listed. Where Diocesan Policy and Diocesan Guidelines have been referenced, the abbreviations DP and DG are used, respectively.
Index of Policy Titles (Click on Title)
Guidelines
School Administrator - The Position
Parish-Based Religious Education Coordination
Parish Religious Education Program
Religious Education Coordinator
School Philosophy and Mission Statement
Student and School-Related Publications
School Personnel Academic Qualifications and Certification
Classroom Observation of Teachers - School
Immaculate Heart of Mary Scholarships
Student Discipline - Discipline Code
Student Discipline - Discipline Procedures
Student Discipline - Substance Abuse Policy
Student Welfare - Emergency Information
Student Activities - Fund Raising - Volunteers
Student Welfare - Pregnant Students
Student Discipline - Local School Substance Abuse Policy
Religious Education - Curriculum Guidelines
Religious Education - Reception of Sacraments of Initiation and First Reconciliation
Instructional Arrangements - School and Church Religious Education Cooperation
Instructional Arrangements - Field Trips - General
Instructional Arrangements - Field Trips-Administrative Approval
Instructional Arrangements - Field Trips-Parental Approval
Instructional Arrangements - Pupil Teacher Ratio
Instructional Arrangements - Homework
Instructional Arrangements - Lesson Plans
Children with Exceptional Educational Needs
Instructional Services - Guidance and Counseling Programs
PREP Home Study Program - Guidelines
Sacramental Preparation Related to Home Schooling
Religion Textbooks - Selection
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
ADMINISTRATION
Pastor
At Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, final responsibility for the catechetical and educational programs rests with the pastor. The pastor is assisted by the board of education, school administrator, director of religious education, and various committees.
Reference DP1210
(01/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
ADMINISTRATION
School Administrator - The Position
Immaculate Heart of Mary School shall be administered by a principal, or head teacher, referred to in diocesan policy as the school administrator, who holds, or is eligible for, the appropriate Kentucky certification. The school administrator shall work closely with the pastor and the local board or committee of Catholic education.
See also P1120
Reference DP1230
(01/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
ADMINISTRATION
School Administrator - Functions
The principal or head teacher is the administrator and primary catechist whose first responsibility is the implementation of the Catholic philosophy of the school and also the fostering of the spiritual and intellectual growth of the faculty and students.
The school administrator helps carry out the total educational ministry of the Church by:
1. communicating the Christian message;
2. building a faith community;
3. fostering the life of Christian service;
4. providing opportunities for Christian worship.
The administrator’s duties are both supervisory and administrative.
Supervisory duties of the administrator include:
1. supervising and assessing curriculum development and classroom instruction on a regular basis;
2. communicating with staff, faculty and students;
3. providing inservice training for faculty and staff;
4. cooperating with diocesan officials.
Administrative duties include:
1. executing directions of the diocesan and state authorities, of the pastor or parish administrator and of the local board or committee of Catholic education;
2. preparing required reports, keeping school records, and carrying on correspondence;
3. developing staff potential through judicious delegation of responsibility;
4. planning teaching schedules and faculty meetings;
5. managing that portion of the education budget which refers to school income and expenses;
6. directing purchases of books, supplies and audio-visual materials;
7. coordinating student and parent or guardian activities;
8. promoting good public relations;
9. communicating with the local board or committee of Catholic education, the pastor or parish administrator and the parents or guardians.
See also P1115
Reference DP1236
(01/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
ADMINISTRATION
Parish-Based Religious Education Coordination
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish shall provide a religious education coordinator to plan and administer religious education programs for students who do not attend IHM School.
Reference DP1246
(01/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
ADMINISTRATION
Parish Religious Education Program
The Director of Religious Education is to coordinate all PREP (grades 1-6) and RAP (grades 7-8) programs, all sacramental programs ( reconciliation, Eucharist, and confirmation), adult faith development, and the RCIA-RCIC programs.
The Director of Religious Education is responsible for planning, policies, agenda and budget. The DRE is responsible for reporting to the Board, or committee of catholic education, and seeing that all PREP policies are within Diocesan guidelines.
Reference DP1242, DP1248
(01/01, 04/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
ADMINISTRATION
Religious Education Coordinator
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish shall provide a coordinator to plan and administer a Sunday School Program for preschoolers in the parish.
Reference DP1242
(01/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
ADMINISTRATION
School Philosophy and Mission Statement
Immaculate Heart of Mary School shall maintain a philosophy and mission statement consistent with the principles and spirit of Catholic education.
Reference DP1330
(01/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
ADMINISTRATION
Tuition
The in-parish tuition rate for one child at Immaculate Heart of Mary School shall not exceed the cost to educate one child.
There shall be four options for payment of tuition.
I) One payment in full to be made by August 31st. (Payment made to school.)
II) Monthly payments from July to April through SMART Tuition management company.
III) Quarterly payments through Smart Tuition Management.
IV) Semi-Annual payments through SMART Tuition Management.
(Any exceptions must be made with the school business manager.)
Tuition payments will be reviewed by the school business manager on a monthly basis to insure required payments are up to date. Non-payment policy is as follows:
I) Failure to pay required tuition and late fees will result in the following (where applicable):
-Student(s) may not be permitted to start a new school term.
-Student(s) may not receive report card or school transcript.
-Student(s) may not participate in graduation ceremonies
II) Delinquency letters will be sent out monthly by the financial institution monitoring payment. There will be a $15.00 fee for late payments.
III) Chronic delinquencies will be dealt with on an individual basis.
IV) If any family is unable to make the required tuition payments, a tuition assistance application may be obtained from the school business office. Any family encountering financial hardship must notify the school business office for further tuition assistance information.
The Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary shall have the final ruling on any of the above policies.
The only diocesan policy discussing tuition at the elementary school level is DP3390, Parish Elementary School Tuition and Minimum Giving Programs. Tuition rates and tiered tuition structure are addressed at the high school level in DP3210 and DP3220.
(10/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
ADMINISTRATION
School Accreditation
Immaculate Heart of Mary school shall seek state-recognized accreditation every five years through either the Kentucky Non-Public School Commission Certification Process or through a regional accrediting agency recognized by the Kentucky Non-Public Schools Commission.
Reference DP1340
(11/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Student and School-Related Publications
Immaculate Heart of Mary School is encouraged to keep the public informed of current activities through the use of student publications. Student and school-related publications should reflect journalistic excellence, good taste and Church teaching.
It is the responsibility of the publication’s advisor or school administrator to assess both content and quality before publication. In doubtful cases, the school administrator should be consulted in the review process.
Reference DP2420
(01/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Student Performances
Plays and other performances by Immaculate Heart of Mary students are to reflect Christian values and aesthetic taste. It is the responsibility of the moderator to review both content and quality. In doubtful cases, the school administrator should be consulted in the review process.
Reference DP2424
(01/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Visitors to the School
All visitors shall report to the school office or the school administrator.
Reference DP2530
(01/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Solicitations
Solicitations may be conducted in the school or at school-related functions only if authorized by the school administrator.
Reference DP2532, DP5340
(01/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary of Parish
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Health Records
Health records shall be maintained properly and be readily available to authorized public personnel upon request.
Reference DP2620
(01/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
LOCAL & BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Administrator Assessment
Immaculate Heart of Mary Board of Education is responsible for appointing committees to schedule and conduct an annual assessment of the school principal and the director of religious education.
These interviews are to be carried out per the guidelines as outlined in the Diocesan Handbook. A copy of each report is to be forwarded to the Department of Catholic Education.
Reference DP3140 and DG3140
(01/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
LOCAL & BUSINESS OPERATIONS
In Parish Tuition
The in-parish tuition rate for one child at Immaculate Heart of Mary School shall not exceed the cost to educate one child, as determined by the Finance Council.
Reference IHM board meeting of March 2001. The only diocesan policy discussing tuition rate, DP3210, refers to rate per student at the high schools.
(03/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
PERSONNEL
School Personnel - Academic Qualifications and Certification
1. No applicant holding less than a baccalaureate degree may be hired as a regular member of the professional staff, unless exempted by the Diocesan Director for Catholic Education on a case by case basis. This does not necessarily include substitute teachers and teacher aides.
2. To be considered for employment, an applicant must have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
3. Administrators and teachers, unless exempted by the Diocesan Director for Catholic Education, should hold, or be eligible for, the appropriate Kentucky certification. Non-certified staff employed on an emergency basis must work toward the necessary Kentucky certification at the minimum rate of six semester hours per year (pro-rated for part-time staff). No person shall enter upon the duties of a position requiring certification unless his or her certificate has been filed, or credentials have been registered, with the Diocesan Department of Catholic Education.
4. The School Administrator shall be aware of these requirements, and on an annual basis report to the IHM board of catholic education the certification/exemption status of the school teaching staff as a whole.
Reference DP4210 (02/02)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
PERSONNEL
Classroom Observation of Teachers - School
The administrator of Immaculate Heart of Mary School shall make periodic formal classroom observations of teachers.
Reference DP4610 (03/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
STUDENTS
Admissions K-8
Immaculate Heart of Mary School (IHM) is a parish school that offers an elementary level academic program for students grades K-8. IHM School was established by Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish under the direction of the Diocese of Covington and its Department of Catholic Education.
General considerations:
·Top priority for admission is given to families meeting the preferred consideration for admission criteria. See below.
·IHM School will accept members of IHM Parish before non-parishioners of IHM, Catholic members from any Catholic parish before non-Catholics, and non-Catholic students from within parish boundaries before those from out of parish boundaries.
·A child of a non-IHM parishioner already enrolled in IHM School shall not be displaced in favor of an IHM parishioner’s child based solely on their non-IHM parishioner status.
·A child is considered part of IHM School when he/she is enrolled at or above the Kindergarten level.
·The family’s length of membership at IHM Parish (or previous parish) shall be considered.
Preferred consideration for admission (IHM Parishioner status) is given when:
I. The family is registered at IHM Parish
II. The family attends mass on a regular basis
III. The family contributes to IHM Parish (or previous parish) on a regular basis.
When there are too many applicants eligible for admission based on the above considerations, preference is made in the following order:
1.Children currently enrolled in IHM School at or above the Kindergarten level shall be given first priority.
2.Children not yet in IHM School whose parents or guardians are members of IHM Parish and who have other children in IHM School.
3.Children not in IHM School whose parents or guardians are members of IHM Parish, and who have had children who already graduated from IHM.
4.Children not in IHM School whose parents or guardians are members of IHM Parish and who wish to enroll a child in IHM School for the first time.
5.Children not in IHM School whose parents or guardians are members of IHM Parish and who had children at IHM School who left prior to graduation.
6.Children of non-IHM parishioners not in IHM School, whose siblings are already enrolled in IHM.
7.Children of non-IHM parishioners not in IHM School whose parents or guardians come under none of the above categories.
The principal, in consultation with the pastor, makes decisions on admissions. The pastor, under the direction of the Diocese of Covington, reserves the right to make final decisions concerning admissions.
Diocesan policy 5070 discusses admission criteria based on geographics (at the high school level.)
Reference previous IHM admissions policies 10/98, 12/99, 12/01 (11/02)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
STUDENTS
Preschool Admissions
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish (IHM) preschool offers age appropriate learning experiences for three and four year old children in a safe, loving, Christian environment.
General considerations:
·Top priority for admission is given to families meeting the preferred consideration for admission criteria. See below.
·IHM preschool will accept children of members of IHM Parish before children of non-parishioners of IHM, Catholic members from any Catholic parish before non-Catholics, and non-Catholic children from within parish boundaries before those from out of parish boundaries.
·Children of non-IHM parishioners already enrolled in IHM Preschool shall not be displaced in favor of an IHM parishioner based solely on their non-parishioner status.
·The Preschool program is not considered part of the school for purposes of admission preference to the K-8 program.
·The family’s length of membership at IHM parish (or previous parish) shall be considered.
Preferred consideration for admission (IHM parishioner status) is given when:
I.The family is registered at IHM Parish
II.The family attends mass on a regular basis
III.The family contributes to IHM Parish (or previous parish) on a regular basis.
When there are too many applicants eligible for admission based on the above considerations, preference is made in the following order:
1.Children currently enrolled in the three-year-old preschool program shall be given first priority for admission to the four-old preschool program.
2.Children not in IHM preschool whose parents or guardians are members of IHM Parish and who have other children in IHM preschool or School.
3.Children not in IHM preschool whose parents or guardians are members of IHM Parish, and who have had children who already graduated from IHM preschool or School.
4.Children not in IHM preschool whose parents or guardians are members of IHM Parish and who are seeking enrollment for a child into IHM for the first time.
5.Children not in IHM preschool whose parents or guardians are members of IHM Parish and who had children at IHM whom left prior to graduation.
6.Children of non-IHM parishioners not in IHM preschool, whose siblings are already enrolled in IHM preschool or School.
7.Children of non-IHM parishioners not in IHM preschool, whose parents or guardians come under none of the above categories.
The principal, in consultation with the pastor, makes decisions on admissions. The pastor, under the direction of the Diocese of Covington, reserves the right to make final decisions concerning admissions.
Reference preschool admission policy dated Dec 7, 2000. (11/02)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
STUDENTS
Junior-High Admissions
Students entering Immaculate Heart of Mary School at the junior-high level will be interviewed and approved by the school administrator before acceptance.
Reference IHM board meeting of March 2001
(03/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
STUDENTS
Immaculate Heart of Mary Scholarships
The recipient of any Immaculate Heart of Mary scholarship may not be in receipt of any other diocesan high school scholarship.
Reference 1995 IHM Board of Education Policy Handbook, and board meeting of March 2001 (03/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
STUDENTS
Non-Discriminatory Policy
Immaculate Heart of Mary School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin. Students of any race who meet Immaculate Heart of Mary’s eligibility requirements are admitted to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded to students at this school.
Reference DP5010
(03/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
STUDENTS
Attendance - Age of Admission
Children entering kindergarten should be five (5) years of age no later than October 1st following the opening of school.
Children entering the first grade should be six (6) years of age no later than October 1st following the opening of school.
Reference DP5040 and DG5040
(03/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
STUDENTS
Student Discipline - Discipline Code
Immaculate Heart of Mary School shall have a written discipline code consistent with its philosophy, mission statement, and diocesan policies. This code shall be reviewed and presented to parents, staff, and students at the beginning of each school year.
Reference DP5410 (03/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
STUDENTS
Student Discipline - Discipline Procedures
When disciplinary problems arise, they should be approached in accordance with the guidelines in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Student Handbook. When sanctions are necessary, the following are to be considered:
Penalties should, as much as possible, be positive and corrective of the infraction committed.
In case of chronic disciplinary problems, the cause should be sought. Treating merely the effects is not sufficient.
In all cases of chronic disciplinary problems, parents (guardians) should, as much as possible, be kept informed as the problem emerges.
Parents (guardians), under ordinary circumstances, should not be confronted with the child’s expulsion without warning.
Reference DP5420
(02/02)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
STUDENTS
Student Discipline - Substance Abuse Policy
Immaculate Heart of Mary School prohibits students from using, possessing, transferring, purchasing, selling or being under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, while on school premises or at school functions. These controlled substances include, but may not be limited to, drugs which are not legally obtainable or not obtained in a lawful manner, or not used in an authorized and prescribed fashion. (Kentucky state law addresses illegal use of alcohol and other drugs regardless of location.)
The substance abuse policy shall be reviewed annually and distributed to parents (guardians), students and staff at the beginning of each school year and as needed.
Reference DP5440
(02/02)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
STUDENTS
Student Welfare - Emergency Information
A file of emergency information for each student shall be maintained in the school office.
Reference DP5510 and DG5510
(03/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
STUDENTS
Dress Code
Immaculate Heart of Mary school will have a uniform dress code for all students grades K through 8.
Reference DP5404 (05/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
STUDENTS
Student Activities - Fund Raising - Volunteers
Fund raising activities involving Immaculate Heart of Mary students, shall be on a voluntary basis.
Reference DP5330
(11/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
STUDENTS
Student Welfare - Pregnant Students
Immaculate Heart of Mary school shall have written guidelines determined by the school administrator, Director of Religious Education, and pastor regarding pregnant students that reflect the pastoral concerns of the church. Immaculate Heart of Mary recognizes its responsibilities as a Christian Community to provide for those in need.
Reference DP5560 (11/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
STUDENTS
Student Discipline - Local School Substance Abuse Policy
Immaculate Heart of Mary school shall develop a written policy prohibiting students from using, possessing, transferring, purchasing, selling, or being under the influence of alcohol or controlled and harmful substances, while on school premises or at school functions. These controlled substances include, but may not be limited to, drugs which are not legally obtainable or not obtained in a lawful manner, or not used in an authorized and prescribed fashion.
This substance abuse policy shall be reviewed, published and distributed annually to parents, guardians, students and staff.
(11/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
INSTRUCTION
School Calendar
The minimum length of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) school year shall be 185 days. Of these, 175 must be days taught, 4 may be holidays and 6 may be professional or in-service days. If the allotted number of holidays and professional or in-service days are not used, the number of days taught must be increased accordingly. (KRS 158.070)
The Diocesan Department of Catholic Education publishes a calendar for the school year that meets diocesan and state requirements. If IHM wishes to deviate from this calendar, a written request shall be made to the Diocesan Director for Catholic Education prior to the opening of the school year.
IHM may designate the specific dates for professional or in-service days not designated in the calendar published by the Diocesan Department of Catholic Education. A copy of the calendar with these dates is to be on file in the Diocesan Department of Catholic Education.
Since student transportation is provided on public school buses, IHM may follow the calendar in effect for the public school district.
In order to preserve the integrity of holy day observance, days taught on holy days should include appropriate liturgical and educational components related to the meaning and observance of the day.
Reference DP6020, DP4370, DP6021, DP6022, and DG6020
(05/01, 08/02)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
INSTRUCTION
School Day
A minimum of six hours of actual schoolwork shall constitute a school day. (KRS 158.060) Sufficient time shall be allotted in the school day for various subject areas.
Reference DP6030, DP6034
(08/02)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
INSTRUCTION
School Day Interruptions
Parents, guardians, agents and others having legitimate business with the school should make appointments at a mutually convenient time.
Reference DP6040
(08/02)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
INSTRUCTION
Grade Range
Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) School includes the grade range levels of preschool through eighth grade, as determined by the Diocesan Board of Education. If IHM ever wishes to eliminate specific grades or close the school, prior approval must be obtained from the Diocesan Board of Education.
Reference DP6110
(08/02)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
INSTRUCTION
Curriculum Guidelines
In forming and adjusting the curriculum, Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) school shall meet state requirements as designated in the Kentucky Program of Studies (current edition), and shall consult the Curriculum Guidelines of the Diocesan Department of Catholic Education. At then end of the academic year, IHM shall conduct a curriculum review and future planning session.
Reference DP6210 and DP6340
(05/01, 08/02)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
INSTRUCTION
Religious Education - Curriculum Guidelines
All religious education programs at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, preschool through adult, shall be in accord with the Kentucky Statewide Religious Education Guidelines published by the Catholic Conference of Kentucky.
Coordinators and catechists in the Sunday preschool religious education program should consult the preschool section of the Diocesan Catechetical Guidelines.
Reference DP6220 and DP6124
(05/01, 08/02)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
INSTRUCTION
Religious Education - Reception of Sacraments of Initiation and First Reconciliation
The reception of the Sacraments of Initiation and First Reconciliation are to take place in the parish of membership in accordance with current Diocesan norms.
Reference DP6224
(08/02)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
INSTRUCTION
Instructional Arrangements - School and Church Religious Education Cooperation
The school administrator and the parish Director of Religious Education shall work together to assist teachers/catechists meet the overlapping religious needs of the children of the parish.
Reference DP6402
(08/02)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
INSTRUCTION
Instructional Arrangements - Field Trips - General
Immaculate Heart of Mary School shall conduct field trips which broaden the scope of the student’s educational experience. See Guideline 6124.
Reference DP6420 and DG6420
(10/02)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
INSTRUCTION
Instructional Arrangements - Field Trips-Administrative Approval
Approval for all field trips and excursions must be given by the school administrator, or the parish Director of Religious Education, as applicable. If overnight field trips are arranged, they must be in accordance with all diocesan policy regarding such matters. All field trips must be in full compliance with diocesan guidelines dealing with sexual misconduct and other guidelines which may be provided by Catholic Mutual.
Reference DP6422 and DG6422
(05/01, 10/02)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
INSTRUCTION
Instructional Arrangements - Field Trips-Parental Approval
The written consent of the parent (guardian) must be obtained for school field trips and excursions and must be on file at the school before the field trips or excursions are made.
Reference DP6424
(10/02)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
INSTRUCTION
Instructional Arrangements - Pupil-Teacher Ratio
At Immaculate Heart of Mary School, the ratio of certified classroom teachers to pupils in a class shall not exceed one to twenty-five.
Reference DP6410
(10/02)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
INSTRUCTION
Instructional Arrangements - Homework
Homework assignments should reinforce classroom instruction.
Reference DP6430
(10/02)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
INSTRUCTION
Instructional Arrangements - Lesson Plans
Each teacher at Immaculate Heart of Mary School shall have lessons outlined in advance. Teachers shall keep a plan book available for reference and review by the school administrator.
Reference DP6440
(10/02)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
INSTRUCTION
Children with Exceptional Educational Needs
Children with exceptional educational needs requiring special class placement services are accepted if their needs can be adequately met at Immaculate Heart of Mary School. Initial enrollment should be on a trial basis with the understanding that, in the event the placement proves unsatisfactory, the parents or guardians shall agree to enroll their child in another school which provides more adequately for special needs of exceptional children. See guideline 6130.
Reference DP6510 and DG6510
(05/01, 10/02)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
INSTRUCTION
Instructional Services - Guidance and Counseling Programs
When possible, guidance programs should be provided at Immaculate Heart of Mary School under the direction of the school administrator.
Reference DP6540
(06/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
INSTRUCTION
Home Schooling Assistance
The administrator at Immaculate Heart of Mary school, shall offer reasonable assistance to home schooling families within the Catholic community who request it through the sharing of information and resources.
Reference DP6550 and DG6550
(05/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
INSTRUCTION
PREP Home Study Program - Guidelines
At Immaculate Heart of Mary parish the Director of Religious Education, shall offer reasonable assistance to home schooling families for religious education programs, who request it through the sharing of information and resources.
Guidelines
- Purchase Parent Book: A Family Companion for Coming to God (for appropriate grade level).
- Purchase Child’s textbook (for appropriate grade level).
- Turn in to the DRE completed units and completed Faith Alive at Home pages as each unit is studied and paper work is completed.
- Attend PREP Reconciliation Services (one each semester).
- Attend PREP Children’s Liturgies (one each semester).
(06/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
INSTRUCTION
Sacramental Preparation Related to Home Schooling
Sacramental preparation for children and youth who are being home schooled requires mutually agreed-upon partnerships among family, pastor and Director of Religious Education.
The Director of Religious Education shall have the responsibility of ensuring that sacramental preparation of children is both adequate and in conformity with Catholic teaching and shall determine a child’s readiness for reception of the Sacraments of Initiation and First Reconciliation.
Reference DP6552 and DG6552
(05/01)
Board of Catholic Education
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
INSTRUCTION
Religion Textbooks - Selection
The Department of Catholic Education publishes a list of religious education textbooks approved for use in parishes and schools of the diocese. If the administrator or Director of Religious Education of Immaculate Heart of Mary wishes to adopt a text or series not on the approved list, the Director for Catholic Education must approve the adoption.
Reference DP6620
(05/01)
Guidelines for 6000 Series: INSTRUCTION
Instructional Arrangements - Field Trips - GeneralG6124
Because of the importance of the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption as the Mother Church of the Diocese, the Diocese encourages a guided tour of the Cathedral Basilica at the seventh or eighth grade level. (Reference DG6420) (10/02)
Children with Exceptional Educational NeedsG6130
If Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) School decides that enrollment is not in the best interests of the child, or if the parents or guardians withdraw the child from IHM, the public school district is, by law, responsible for providing a free, appropriate education and educational services to all children who reside in the district. In addressing a request to enroll a child with special needs, the principal should consider the needs of the child, the resources available to IHM and the educational welfare of all students enrolled in the school. Detailed enrollment and placement process guidelines are available in Diocesan Guideline 6510. If the parents (guardian) of the child with exceptional educational needs believe this policy and Diocesan Guideline 6510 have not been properly implemented, they may appeal to the Diocesan Director for Catholic Education for review and clarification. The decision of the Director shall be final. (Reference DP6510 and DG6510) (10/02)
Home Schooling Assistance G6140
Immaculate Heart of Mary’s (IHM’s) Pastor, School Administrator, and Director of Religious Education (DRE), and the Diocesan Department of Catholic Education have a shared responsibility to offer reasonable assistance to home schooling families. The following types of assistance should be considered, upon request and when feasible:
- A listing of recommended academic and catechetical textbooks and materials.
- Consultant services
- Invitations to home schooling families to participate in academic and catechetical inservice opportunities, and in theology courses as offered by the Diocese
- The occasional use of the facility by home schooling families
- Invitations to participate in IHM celebrations.
(Reference DG6550) (10/02)
Director of Religious Education’s Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) Home Study Program Guidelines for Homeschoolers
- Purchase Parent Book: A Family Companion for Coming to God (for appropriate grade level).
- Purchase Child’s textbook (for appropriate grade level).
- Turn in to the DRE completed units and completed Faith Alive at Home pages as each unit is studied and paper work is completed.
- Attend PREP Reconciliation Services (one each semester).
- Attend PREP Children’s Liturgies (one each semester). (Reference DRE) (06/01, 10/02)
Home Schooling - Academic Placement G6153
In addition to following the same procedures used for enrolling a student from an accredited private or public school, Immaculate Heart of Mary School may also require:
- An interview with the parents and student, along with formal application for admission.
- A review of the home schooling course of study, showing content and levels of achievement, that would be presented to the school.
- A review of portfolio items and projects in all areas of the curriculum, which demonstrate the student’s quality of work.
- Testing of the student in academic areas, using any of the following tests: standardized, textbook, or those prepared by the teacher, for example: chapter or division tests, or final examinations in the various grade level subjects.
- Review of the admission and placement, with adjustments as necessary, at the end of the first grading period.
(Reference DG6554) (10/02)
