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STUDENT SERVICES/ACTIVITIES
Health
Nurse-volunteers periodically do health checks.
These checks may include, but are not limited
to hearing, vision, scoliosis, and lice check.
The volunteers also assist in maintenance of
State required immunization records. Notices
will be sent home concerning any health checks.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- The form must state written, current and
unexpired instructions regarding the prescribed
medication.
- 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.
- Not more that a 20-day supply of the medication
is to be at school at one time.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 sea 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 an annual
Outdoor Education program camp. This is a weeklong
event in which 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
each trimester. 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. The criteria for
each award are explained to students at the
beginning of the school year.
Special Activities and Events
A variety of activities are offered to meet
the interests of our students, and complement
the academic program. Special all school events
include the Spelling Bee, the Geography Bee,
and Field Day. Students may also participate
in the World Class Scholars, Knowledge Bowl,
Destination Imagination, and Math Olympiad and
other activities as they occur. Many times the
programs are dependent on the services of parent
volunteers and may occur on a sporadic basis.
Information regarding these activities is sent
home at appropriate times throughout the year.
Catholic Schools Week
National Catholic Schools Week is a nation
wide celebration of the many contributions Catholic
schools make to American education. St. Mary
School has opted to call January Catholic School’s
Month. 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:
- Special Mass and opening and closing ceremonies
held at Saint Mary and Our Lady of Good Help
churches.
- 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, eat lunch
with them, and stay to watch the talent show.
- Talent show, where students are encouraged
to share their special talents with the school
and visitors.
- 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.
Science/Math/Technology Fair
This is an opportunity for students to share
their love of science, math and technology through
special independent projects. It is a non-competitive
event with participation awards for all. Teachers
may choose to require student participation
in grades 1 through 4. Participation is required
in grades 5 and 6.
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.
Everyone brings a lunch to eat, and a blanket
on which to sit. Children are asked to bring
flowers from their yards to be used in May baskets
for their guests. Information about inviting
guests is sent home the second week of April.
Athletics
St. Mary School teams compete with teams on
the local league level. Competitive sports for
grades 4th – 6th may include:
- Flag football for both boys and girls
- Basketball for boys and girls
- Volleyball for girls
Generally, students participate with their
age groups so that all players get plenty of
opportunity to play. A paid staff member of
the school coordinates volunteer coaches. Coaches
must meet policy requirements and have an approved
Washington State “Criminal History Information”
form. Students must maintain a “C”
grade average to participate and be of good
character. The Principal must approve any exception
to this.
Saint Mary School junior high students are
encouraged to participate in Miller Junior High
sports. They are expected to follow the guidelines
provided by those coaches and WIAA.
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.
Parties and Dances
The teacher, in cooperation with the room parent,
plans room parties.
If a private home party is going to take place,
the school staff requests that invitations not
be handed out at school. Also, collecting funds
for non-school sponsored parties, gifts, or
other activity is not allowed.
The Archdiocesan schools office generally discourages
dances. However, depending on the occasion,
they may be held for students of Saint Mary
School and their families. The coordinator of
the dance should contact the school office for
more information on specific guidelines.
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