Library-All classes (K-8) have a scheduled library period each week. Students are expected to maintain a quiet atmosphere in the library. Books are taken out for the period of one week and may be renewed at the end of the week. A fine of $.05 per school day, per book, is charged for overdue books unless the student is absent on the assigned day. A fee is charged for damaged or lost books.

Physical Education is an important facet of our Wellness Program. Parents and faculty collaborated on a Wellness Program that would help to instruct our students in a healthy lifestyle. Each student participates in Physical Education class once a week. Should a student be unable to participate in gym class, a written excuse from the parent/guardian is required. If the non-participation is for more than one week, a doctor's note is required. Students are expected to wear the gym uniform on gym class day. If students are not taking gym class that day they are to be in regular school uniform. Students who consistently miss gym class will receive less than satisfactory for the marking period.

Wellness Program
The Wellness Program is a state mandated program designed by faculty and parents to help students develop healthy lifestyles. Nutrition classes, walking on Wednesday, increased awareness of how food and exercise affect the body are all aspects of the program.

Books and Book Bags
In an effort to foster responsibility and respect, every student is to carry a book bag. Books are provided at great expense; therefore, books must be covered at all times. Contact paper is not to be used on any textbook. Teachers will advise if contact paper is to be used on specific workbooks. Students are responsible for the proper care of all books. Defacing books, loss of books or any improper treatment will result in a child paying for the book.
To insure that all books and copybooks reflect pride in student work and appearance, periodic inspection will take place.

Field Trips
School-related educational trips are encouraged. Parental permission is required for each trip. The permission form adopted by the school is the only one accepted. Students who fail to submit the proper form will not be allowed to participate in the field trip. Telephone calls will not be accepted in lieu of proper forms. Written letters provide no legal protection for the school and will not be accepted.
Field trips are a privilege. Students can be denied participation if they fail to meet behavioral or academic requirements. Students who do not participate must attend school or will be given assignments to be completed at home, otherwise they will be marked absent.
If tuition payments have not been made, nor arrangements for payment made with the principal, students may be denied participation in class field trips.

Homework
Homework is assigned regularly to reinforce and supplement the lessons presented in class. Homework consists of written work, study, reading, skills development and corrections. Certain areas such as spelling and math require memorization. Students should be helped to realize that homework is their responsibility and that study is as important as completion of writing assignments. Students in upper grades are often given long-range assessments and are expected to use initiative and responsibility to apportion the work over the period of time. This is vital training for high school and college.
The numbers for the HOMEWORK HELPLINE are published weekly in the Pottsville Republican/Evening Herald. Every family receives a list of the numbers at the beginning of the school year. Homework is also uploaded to our website each day.
The recommended time allotments for homework:
Grades 1 -2 20 - 30 minutes
Grades 3 -4 30 - 60 minutes
Grades 5 - 6 60 - 90 minutes
Grades 7 - 8 90 -- 120 minutes
Parents have a responsibility to provide a time and place for proper study. No parent/guardian should complete assignments. Parents should make teachers aware when students are experiencing much difficulty.

Make-Up Assignments
Except in cases of prolonged illness, the students are responsible for making up missed homework and classwork, to ask to take a test or quiz and to take it at the teacher's convenience. In case of dental, medical or other appointments, this same responsibility must be assumed by the parents and students.
Students who are consistently absent on test days will be given alternate tests and will be required to take them after school.

Honors Criteria for Grades 4-8

DISTINGUISHED HONORS-A student must achieve a 92 or above in every major subject area and a Satisfactory or better in Computer, Physical Education, Music and all areas of Conduct and Effort.

HONORS-A student must achieve an 86 or above in every major subject area and a Satisfactory or better in Computer, Physical Education, Music and all areas of Conduct and Effort.

HONORABLE MENTION-A student must achieve an 80 or above in every major subject area and a Satisfactory or better in Computer, Physical Education, Music and all areas of Conduct and Effort.

Retention

The ultimate decision in regard to non-promotion must be a joint one between principal and teacher. Parents will be informed in writing of possible non-promotion at the beginning of the second semester. The decision for retention will be made based on the student's grades and/or emotional maturity.
If a child shows evidence of emotional immaturity and this is verified by adequate testing and assessment, it may be advisable for the child to repeat the grade, particularly in grades K through 4.
If a child has failed major subjects for the school year, he/she will attend summer school (especially in gr. 4-8) to make up the school work in order to pass to the next grade level.

Standardized Testing
All students entering kindergarten are evaluated using the Early Prevention of School Failure Program. This program highlights strengths and weaknesses of the child based on age appropriate activities. The results are then used to determine activities throughout the school year.
A standardized testing program is administered in the Spring of each year to all students in grades 2-7 for the purpose of:
--Determining specific learning patterns
--Monitoring the effectiveness of the various instructional programs
--Measuring the educational progress of the elementary students in our diocese as
compared with national norms.
Students in grades 3, 5 and 7 also receive the Cognitive Abilities Test. This test is used to determine whether or not a child is performing at his/her ability.
Parents receive copies of the results.