XVIII. STUDENT SERVICES/ACTIVITIES

Medications

Medication will not be administered at school unless prescribed by medical professional (MD, DO, Dentist, or Nurse Practitioner). This applies to all medications, including over the counter items such as Tylenol and cough drops. School personnel may administer only oral medications and Epi-pens; family members must administer all others. The following conditions must be met in order for medication to be administered at school:

1. The parent/guardian must get the “Physician’s Order for Medication at School form from the school office. Faxed forms will be accepted but verbal permission may not.
2. The request must state that there exists a valid health reason that makes administration of the medication advisable during school hours or during such time that the student is under the supervision of school officials.
3. The form must state written, current and unexpired instructions regarding the prescribed medication.
4. The parent/guardian must sign an agreement which states that it is the primary responsibility of the student to go to the office for any particular does; that school staff will make one attempt per dose missed by the child to contact the student and administer the medication; that the school staff cannot be held accountable for a missed dosage; that the parent/guardian understands and accepts that school schedules and other responsibilities of the staff person may cause a child’s medication to be delayed or missed.
5. Not more that a 20-day supply of the medication is to be at school at one time.
6. The medication must be in the original container labeled by the pharmacy/physician and state clearly the physician’s name, the name of the medicine, the amount to be taken, and the time of day to be taken.
7. The parent/guardian must bring the medication to the school office where the parent/guardian and designated staff person will be required to count the medication, and then sign and date the “medication log” which will record each dosage the child receives at school.
8. At the end of the school year, the parent/guardian must pick up and dispose of any medication left at school. If the parent/guardian does not pick up any remaining medication within 10 days of the last day of school, a school official will dispose of it.

At no time are there to be medications of any kind in the classrooms. This includes aspirin, Tylenol, cough drops, throat lozenges, eye drops, nose spray, etc. The only exception is an inhaler or EPI pen which the student can self-medicate. If a student does carry an inhaler or EPI pen, the student shall have permission to carry it on file in the office.

Field Trips

Field trips are opportunities to explore the world beyond the walls of the school. They enrich the standard curriculum and give students valuable experiences. Normally they last one day and there is a small cost involved; if at any time a parent/guardian has a concern about their ability to pay for a field trip, please contact the school and financial assistance may be possible.

Field trip permission forms and information is sent home prior to the field trip. All students must have a signed permission form before participating in the field trip. Faxed forms are acceptable. A note from home or phone call does not constitute permission for the field trip.

Students should understand that field trips are a privilege; no students has an absolute right to a field trip and may be denied participation if they do not meet academic or behavioral requirements. Behavior on field trips will be consistent with the discipline code of St. Mary School.

School uniform will be worn on most field trips though an exception may be made depending on the weather or activity involved. Students are ordinarily transported in private vehicles and will wear a seat belt. Parents/guardians who drive must complete the Driver-Information form provided by the Archdiocese of Seattle each year. Field trip drivers have the authority of the school to correct any child who causes problems on a field trip.

Special Field Trips

The fifth and sixth grade attend  Outdoor Education program camp. They receive lessons in leadership, environmental and earth science, and outdoor games. The seventh grade attends Marine Biology Camp and learns more about the aquatic environment. Seventh and Eighth grade attend a leadership camp. All of these are important extensions of the curriculum and attendance by students is required. Other classes may, after consultation with the Principal, schedule extended field trips. Fund raising helps to cover the costs for the trips. Grants are available for those who might need financial assistance. For more information, parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the class teacher or the school office.

Awards

Awards are given to students at the end of the school year. These are given to students, identified by teachers and/or school staff through observable behavior, who have consistently performed in an exceptional manner. Awards may be given in the areas of academic achievement, service, attendance, athletics, effort, citizenship and other areas as they occur. 

Catholic Schools Week

National Catholic Schools Week is a nation wide celebration of the many contributions Catholic schools make to American education. We have many proud traditions and extend an invitation to all members of our community to visit our school. Events held during the month may include:

• Friendship Luncheon at which students are grouped according to birth month, instead of by grade.
• Special Person Day (grandparents, aunts and uncles, and any special adult friends) on which special friends join students for liturgy, sit in on their classes, and  eat lunch with them.
• Family Bingo Night, which is a night out for the whole family. Prior to this event, families are asked to donate small items to be used as prizes. On the big night everyone plays and wins and food and beverages are offered for sale throughout the evening.

Christmas Program

The Christmas Program is an all-school, scripture based musical performance, by the students, prior to the Christmas vacation.

Sciene Fair

This is an opportunity for students to share their love of science through special independent projects. 

Mother Mary Day

In May there is a special day to celebrate Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and our own mothers. Students and their guests attend a special prayer service and/or Mass and then attend (weather permitting) a picnic. If the weather is too wet the picnic is held in the school auditorium. 

Athletics

The YMCA of Grays Harbor coordinates the elementary school sports program. The Y provides a fall, winter and spring sport for students in grades 4-6. The teams available are:

• Fall: Flag football and volleyball
• Winter: Basketball for boys and girls
• Spring: Track and Field

Saint Mary School junior high students are eligible to participate in sports at the local junior high schools.

Student Council

Student Council is an opportunity for students in grades 6, 7, and 8 to learn leadership skills. The moderator publishes qualifications and responsibilities for each office annually and students may run for office in the fall. If, at any time, a student falls below the qualification level or does not properly fulfill the obligations of their office, they may be removed from the council and another student appointed to fill the position.