School Day
The school day begins at 7:55 am and ends at 3:30 pm except when a special event has been scheduled. It is recommended that students arrive by 7:45 am in order to be organized and in assembly by 7:55 am. Extended day supervision is available from 7:00-7:30 am and 3:45-6:00 pm. A fee for this service will be charged. Parents must provide for the student's arrival and departure within these time limits.
Tardiness
Repeated tardiness for class or school events is a serious disadvantage to the student. A mark will be given each time a student is tardy to class or morning assembly. If a student comes to school late, she should bring a note explaining her tardiness and report immediately to the middle school office and sign in before entering the classroom. Excessive unexcused tardiness can result in detention and suspension. This does not include medical appointments for which a doctor's excuse can be presented. Excessive tardiness may jeopardize continued enrollment. This will be decided by the Head of Middle School, Dean of Students, and Headmistress of the school.
Absences
Notification of the school
Parents must notify the school between 8:00 am and 8:30 am when a child is absent. Either a call (ext.118) the day of an absence or a note from the parents must be sent to Carol Baez, Assistant to the Head of Middle School in order for the absence to be considered an excused absence. If a student is to be absent for an extended period of time, the Head of the Middle School is to be notified in writing at least 24 hours in advance.
Early Withdrawals
Withdrawals prior to dismissal times are strongly discouraged. Doctors' appointments should be made after school or on free days. If a student must be withdrawn from school, a note written by the parent giving the reason, date, and person coming for the child must be presented to the dean of students of school before first period. The person picking the student up must sign the student out in the middle school office, and must be a parent, older sibling, or on the student's travel form. The student will remain in class until that person arrives.
The school vacation days are set well in advance. Parents are urged to avoid extended vacations for their daughters, early leave at the end of the school year, or long vacations during scheduled school days. All absences affect students' performance. Students are expected to be present on field day and for special masses and orientation day. These times, while not academic, are vital to the building of community in the school. A request must be made to the Head of Middle School or Dean of Students, in writing or by phone, by the parents at least one day prior to any planned absence. Students will be unexcused if this is not done. Students should make every effort to contact teachers about homework and tests. An unexcused absence is one due to any reason other than illness, death of a family member, or special permission from the head of middle school or dean of students. Teachers are not held responsible to cover class work or tests missed because of a student's unexcused absence.
Excessive Absences
Students absent more than ten days in any one trimester must produce a doctor's excuse for all days in excess of ten, in order for the day to be considered an excused absence. Absences of over 20 days for the year are considered excessive for a student in Middle School. In such cases, a doctor's note must be produced for each absence thereafter, and continued enrollment will be decided by the Head of Middle School, Dean of Students, and Headmistress of the school.
No student may leave the school grounds during the day without the explicit permission of the Head of School or Dean of Students.
