GENERAL INFORMATION

	After School Program
	Announcements
	Attendance
	Birthday Parties
	Books
	Change of Address
	Child Abuse Laws
	Child Custody
	Communication
	Confidentiality
	Drug and Alcohol Policies
	Electronic Devices
	Expectations and Responsibilities for Students
	Extracurricular Activities
	Faculty Meetings
	Field Trips
	Fire Drills
	Guidance
	Guidelines for the Education of Non-Catholics
	Harassment Policies
	HIV/AIDS Curriculum
	Immunizations
	Illness
	Lateness
	Liturgy
	Lunchroom
	Maternity/Paternity Policies
	Medications
	Money
	Non-custodial Parent
	Release of children
	Parents as Partners
	Parent Organizations
	Philosophy and Goals
	Promotion/Retention Policy
	Re-registration
	Release of Students (during school day)
	School’s Right to Amend
	Security
	Smoking
	Special Learning Needs
	Summer School
	Use of School Grounds
	Withdrawals and Transfers
	Summary Statement

After School Program

An after school program is available to parents. A program of supervised schoolwork, play and rest is available for families who desire a professional after-school program for their children. Administered and led by members of our faculty, this service runs from 3:50 – 6:00 P.M. (1 to 8 grades) and 2:30 to 6:00 P.M. (Pre K and K). Information on fees and registration materials are available in the Main Office.

Announcements

Informational announcements are handled through the school P.A. Courteous attention is expected when any message is presented over the P.A. system, especially when prayers are said. All announcements must be written and brought to the office and approved by the principal.

Attendance

Excused Absence: A child is legally absent from school for the following reasons: sickness, sickness or death in the family, impassable roads or extreme weather; all other absences are unexcused.

Lateness: A child should come to school even though he/she may be late. All lateness is recorded and marked on the report card. Parents will be consulted about chronic lateness, and the child may be required to make up time missed.

When the child returns to school, a completed absence form must be given to the teacher. (See Appendix.) This form is distributed at the beginning of the school year and contains appropriate spaces for the child’s name, date of absence, class, reason for absence, and the signature of a parent or guardian.

Doctor or dental appointments should be scheduled for after school or on Saturdays. Family vacations are not to be planned for those days when school is in session. The school provides families with an annual calendar to insure that does not happen. If it is necessary for a child to be dismissed during the school day, the parent or adult chosen by the parent MUST come to the school for the child. The school must be informed ahead of time about such occurrences.

When a child is absent, parents are required to phone the school by 9:00 A.M. Absence notes are still required in addition to the phone call.

Birthday Parties

Birthday parties for Grades Pre K – 3 may be held monthly in each homeroom with the teacher’s permission. Parents should notify the teacher in writing.
Parents may bring small individual items such as cupcakes, brownies, etc. Parents may not bring in favors or “goodie” bags for the students.


Books

All books must be properly covered. Contact paper is NOT to be used to cover any books obtained under N.Y.S. Textbook Loan. These books are stamped on the inside front cover. Each child is responsible for keeping his/her books in good condition. Books that are lost or defaced become the liability of the student and his/her parents. If a book is lost or defaced, the school will bill the parents for the cost.

1. ASSIGNED TEXTBOOKS: When a textbook is lent to a pupil on a semi-permanent basis, the New York State Department of Education requires that:

a. the pupil’s name be placed in the space provided in each book
b. the teacher make a record of the number of the book
c. the teacher make a record of the condition of the book
d. in September, each child will put a clean cover on each textbook received
e. in June, all textbooks are collected, extra materials and covers are removed.
f. all workbooks are collected in June.

2. SUPPLEMENTARY BOOKS: When books are handed out to the children for use during a specific period within the classroom, they will be immediately collected after they have been read. If the book is to remain with the children for any length of time, his/her name must appear in the book and the teacher should have a record of this.

3. LIBRARY BOOKS: Books may be borrowed for two weeks. Books are charged to the child so that he/she will have the experience of signing out a library book and abiding by due dates. If books are returned late, there will be a five cents fine per day per book, payable by the child. All lost library books must be paid for so that the school can purchase an additional copy. If the book is located after a new order is placed, the child will be allowed to keep the old book since he/she has paid for it.

Change of Address

The office must be informed immediately if there is a change of home address or telephone number for purposes of mailing and/or emergency.


Child Abuse Laws

Under NYS law, school officials are legally obliged to report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the proper agency. In so reporting, no allegation is made against a parent or care giver. Rather, it is a judgment by the school that the child may be presenting signs of abuse or neglect.

If the teacher or school nurse suspects abuse or neglect, he or she must immediately confer with the principal to discuss the aspects of the abuse and to determine which person on the school staff will report the alleged abuse to the proper agency.

Child Custody

Custodial parents are entitled to receive original sets of report cards, school and special event notices, school calendars, etc.

Non-custodial parents are generally entitled to receive duplicate sets of report cards, school and special event notices, school calendars, etc.. Such parents may be asked to supply the teacher with self-addressed stamped envelopes for convenience and expediency.

Communication

Since as parents you are the child’s first teachers, you are our partners in education. Therefore, regular communication with you is an essential part of your child’s school experience. Scheduled parent conferences allow teachers and parents to discuss student achievement as well as to develop means to assist students in areas of difficulty.

A parent may request a meeting with a teacher at any time by simply sending a note to the teacher in question and the teacher will arrange for this meeting outside class time at a mutually convenient time. The meeting should take place in the classroom or someplace that insures privacy, never in a hallway or on the street. A parent who is refused such a meeting should notify the principal.

Confidentiality

There is a professional and moral ethic that requires all persons to safeguard all information of a privileged nature.

It is imperative that such information be regarded as a sacred trust.

	If there is evidence of knowledge that could impact on the health or safety of any person, the teacher has the responsibility to share the information with the principal.
	Under Section 423 of the Child Protective Services Act, school officials are required to report when they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child coming before them in their professional or official capacity is an abused or maltreated child. (See section on Child Abuse.)

The rules that govern privileged information apply, as well, to any personal or academic information that is discovered through daily classroom instruction or other social interaction with students, parents or peers. Always the sense of the sacred should prevail.

Drug and Alcohol Policies

In recognition of the seriousness of drug and alcohol problems to which the children are exposed, Saint Angela Merici School will follow the policy as stated below:

	if a teacher suspects that a child is under the influence of either drugs or alcohol, the matter will be referred to the principal immediately
	the principal will verify teacher observation and will notify parents, the police may be called, and parents must pick up the child immediately
	should it be determined that the suspicion is accurate, parents will be expected to follow the recommendations of the school principal if the child is to continue in the school
	any student who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or any drug, and appears at a school function in questionable condition will be barred from attending or participating in that ceremony, a party, dance, or school outing. Parents will be notified and appropriate action will be taken which may include suspension or expulsion from the school.

Electronic Devices

Any electronic device such as cell phones, beepers, hand-held and other personal electronic devices that may distract the student, other students, or the class as a whole during the course of the school day is prohibited.

Expectations and Responsibilities for Students

Students attend Saint Angela Merici School in order to develop fully their God-given talents and capabilities. To accomplish this, students are asked to:

	try to do their best work at all times.
	treat all members of the school community (i.e., teachers, staff, priests, parents and students) with respect. This includes respecting the work of others by not cheating.
	obey all school rules and regulations, including those forbidding the use of drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or disruptive behavior.
	develop personal standards of conduct that reflect Christian morals and behavior, and refrain from use of inappropriate language, verbal threats, and sexual behavior (including touching, gestures, writing, and dress).
	speak in a well-modulated tone of voice.
	observe the school dress code, including standards on no-uniform days.
	help care for school property and keep the school free from damage and defacement.

Extracurricular Activities

Students are encouraged to participate in the extracurricular activities of the school. Participation in these activities is a privilege. Students are expected to fulfill their obligations in the classroom (class work and homework). In order to participate in extracurricular activities, students must pass each subject on their report card and model acceptable behavior both during the school day and during the selected activity. Failure to meet academic or behavioral requirements will result in the student’s suspension or dismissal from the activity. Participation in these activities requires a commitment of both student and parent. Attendance will be taken at each activity to determine a student’s participation. In individual cases regarding participation in extracurricular activities, the principal holds the final determination.

Faculty Meetings

Faculty meetings are scheduled on all Fridays of each week, unless parents are otherwise notified. Children in grades 1 to 8 will be dismissed at 2:20 PM on these days. Faculty meetings for Pre K and K teachers are scheduled on the first Friday of each month, unless parents are otherwise notified. Children in grades Pre-K and K will be dismissed at 11:30 AM on these days.

Field Trips

Field trips must serve an educational purpose and their value should be an integral part of the school’s instructional program. They broaden the students’ educational experiences. Field trips are privileges given to students; no student has a right to a field trip.

	Field trips are designed to correlate with teaching units and to achieve curricular goals.
	Field trips vary on each grade level.
	Field trips are permissible when advanced planning, location, and the experience insure a successful learning opportunity.
	Individual teachers in consultation with the administration reserve the right to restrict or deny student participation on any field trip due to, but not limited to, poor academic performance and/or poor conduct.
	A written official permission slip, signed by the parent, is required before a child will be permitted to attend a field trip. Verbal or faxed permission cannot be accepted. Permission slips are due in the office 48 hours before the day of the trip.

Fire Drills

Fire drills at regular intervals are required by the law and are an important safety precaution. It is essential that when the fire signal is given, everyone obeys promptly and clears the building by the prescribed route as quickly as possible.
Students are not permitted to talk during a fire drill and are to remain outside the building until a signal is given to return inside. Teachers will direct the students.

Guidance

A guidance program is a resource available to Saint Angela Merici School students. Service may include counseling, psychological intervention and support for families experiencing change.

Guidelines for the Education of Non-Catholics

Parents must be made aware of the intentional Catholic witness in our schools. Saint Angela Merici School as a Catholic school within the Archdiocese of New York has as its primary mission the formation of children in the Catholic faith.

All children will participate in total academic life of our school, including religious education. According to the norms of our Church, it is expected that non-Catholics participate as fully as they can in the liturgical and prayer life of the school.

The religious educators of our schools are committed to teaching the fullness of revelation as it is taught by the Roman Catholic Church and as the life and doctrine are set forth in the Religious Education Guidelines of the Archdiocese of New York. While our teachers value ecumenical education, and respect the traditions of other ecclesiastical communities, they always teach within the context of fidelity to the doctrine and traditions of our teaching church.

Harassment Policies

Harassment regulations need to be grounded in the belief that all persons have a right to be treated with dignity. All demeaning behavior is prohibited.

Saint Angela Merici School provides a safe environment for all. Verbal, Internet or written threats made against the physical or emotional well-being of any individual are taken seriously. Students making such threats even in jest face appropriate
disciplinary action including detention, suspension or expulsion. Harassment of any type is not tolerated. The principal investigates all complaints of harassment.

Students involved in harassing behavior are subject to detention, suspension, or expulsion and where appropriate, will be referred for counseling services. If you believe that your child is being harassed, please notify the principal immediately.

HIV/AIDS Curriculum

The Archdiocese of New York and the NYS Education Department mandate that all schools are to give age-appropriate instruction on HIV and AIDS to all students
in Grades K –12. The Archdiocesan schools use an HIV/AIDS Handbook developed and approved by the Catholic Bishops of the State of New York.

Schools under the authority of the Office of the Superintendent of Schools of the Archdiocese of New York do not discriminate on the basis of HIV or AIDS. Students with HIV or AIDS shall not be excluded from school by reason of infection with HIV unless the following conditions are evident as determined by the
student’s physician and parents (or legal guardian), together with the school administrator and pastor. The conditions are:

	The student is not toilet-trained or is incontinent, or unable to control drooling.
	The student is unusually physically aggressive, with a documented history of biting or harming others.

Illness

If a child has a chronic illness such as asthma or a condition that warrants frequent use of the bathroom, it is the parent’s responsibility to notify the school and classroom teacher in writing in September so that we are aware of the condition.

Immunizations

New York State Immunization Requirements
for School Entrance and Attendance

New York State (exclusive of New York City)

New York City

New York City Department of Health, Bureau of Immunization, 2 Lafayette Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10007 (212) 676-2273

New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control - Immunization Program, ESP, Corning Tower,
Room 649, Albany, NY 12237 (518) 473-4437

Varicella Vaccine

Required

Immunization against varicella (chickenpox) is now required by law. In 1999, Public Health Law Section 2164 was amended to require the following children to be immunized against varicella:

• all children born on or after January 1,1998 and are entering kindergarten in September 2003

• children born on or after January 1, 2000 and are enrolled in any school.

The administration of varicella vaccine in not recommended for children under the age of one.

Information on varicella vaccine was not required to be entered on the immunization survey form until September 2001.

Lateness

Student lateness interrupts the learning process for your child and all other
children in that classroom. Any student arriving at school after the published opening time is considered late. If late, the student may be admitted to class only with a late pass, obtainable in the main office. Repeated lateness affects your child’s ability to be on the honor roll and could impede your child’s re-registration for the coming year.

Liturgy

All students in Pre K to 8 will attend Mass on twice a month and
at other times as indicated in the school calendar. Respectful participation of every child is required at school liturgies.

Lunchroom

Saint Angela Merici School provides a hot lunch through the Archdiocesan School Nutrition program or the local Department or Board of Education In order to participate in a free or reduced lunch program, parents must complete a form that will be distributed in September. Criteria for eligibility is noted on the form. If your child is not eligible for a free or reduced lunch program, and you wish your child to participate in the hot lunch program, you must send lunch money to the school on a weekly basis, in an envelope marked with your child’s name, your child’s class, and the amount of money. The envelope must clearly state LUNCH MONEY.

	Each child is assigned a seat in the lunchroom and is expected to remain in it until dismissed.
	It is the responsibility of the individual child to keep the area clean.
	Respect and obedience are to be shown at all times to those who work in the lunchroom.
	In good weather, the children go directly from lunchroom to the play yard; first lunch until 12:25, second lunch until 1:00, third lunch until 1:35 and fourth lunch until 2:10.
	If a child normally eats lunch in school every day and will be eating out on a particular day, a note must be presented to the teacher giving the child permission to eat out for the day. A designated adult must pick up and return the student within the lunch period. TELEPHONE PERMISSION IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.

Maternity/Paternity Policies

As members of the church committed to the preservation of life at all levels, the Catholic school must act in ways consistent with that commitment. Catholic schools, elementary as well as secondary, are faced sometimes with the situations of unwed mothers and fathers. The issue is certainly an emotionally
charged one. School officials will consider carefully the consequences of any policies that are adopted. At the very minimum, students will be encouraged to finish their work and to receive grades and diplomas. The decision concerning a
student’s continued school attendance is made by the principal after consultation with his/her parents or guardians, and in consideration of the best interest of the student, the unborn child and the school’s educational expectations.
 

Medications

If a student needs any kind of medication during the school day, the medication is to be brought to the school nurse (or school office in the absence of a nurse) and kept there. A written statement from the parent or guardian requesting administration of the medication in school as ordered by the licensed prescriber is required.

Medication must be presented in a properly labeled container. Prescription medication must be in the original container. On the prescription medication the pharmacy label should display:

	student name
	name and phone number of the pharmacy
	licensed prescriber name
	date and number of refills
	name of the medication and dosage
	frequency of administration

Medication should not be transported daily to and from school. Parents should be advised to ask the pharmacist for two containers – one for home and one for school.

The school may receive a written request from a parent or physician to permit a student to carry and self administer his or her own medication. Under certain circumstances it may be necessary to do so. Such a decision will be made on a
case-by-case basis and will reflect the age and maturity of the child.

	severity of health care problem, particularly asthmatic or allergic conditions
	prescriber order directing the student be allowed to carry his/her medication
	written statement from parent requesting compliance with prescriber order
	student has been instructed in the procedure for self administration and can assume this responsibility
	parent contact is made to clarify parental responsibility in monitoring the child on an ongoing basis to insure the child is carrying and taking the medication as ordered.

Money

Money that is brought to school for a specific purpose (class trip, book fair, milk money, etc.) must be put into an envelope with the child’s name and grade and amount. Since snacks are sold on a daily basis students may choose to bring in
small amounts of money (less than $5) for such purchases. If a student does bring money to school the money should be kept on the student’s person and not left in the school bag, coat pocket, lunch box, or desk. The school cannot be responsible for lost money.

Non-custodial Parent

Release of Copies of report cards, school notices, etc.

In the absence of a court order to the contrary, a school will provide a non-custodial parent with access to academic records and other school information regarding your child. If there is a court order specifying that this should not happen, it is the custodial parent’s responsibility to provide the school with a copy of the court order.

Non-custodial parents are generally entitled to receive duplicate sets of report cards, school and special event notices, school calendars, etc. Such parents might be told to supply the teacher with self-addressed stamped envelopes for convenience and expediency.

Release of children

Non-custodial parents may pick up a child only if previous arrangements have been made.

Parents as Partners

Just as the parents look to the school to provide the facilities and the trained personnel that are essential to their child’s proper development, so the school looks to the parents to assume active responsibilities that cannot be delegated
to others.

No school can be wholly effective in teaching the values of religion and the virtues of honesty, respect for authority, consideration for the rights and property of others, and standards of personal morality and integrity unless these
principles have been established, upheld, and valued in the home. If parents cooperate with the school, instill respect for the integrity of its teachers and administration, and actively support their authority in the home, this is likely to be
reflected in the positive attitudes of their children.

Parents are asked to take an active role in their child’s education by:

	assisting their child in his/her academic and moral development by carefully reviewing class work, test results, progress reports, and report cards; supervising home study; and reinforcing school policies.
	explaining and reviewing periodically the school behavior code with their child. Parents should discuss school disciplinary episodes in relation to the school behavior code.
	recognizing their child’s talents and interests so they may be developed in cooperation with the classroom teachers.
	seeing that the dress code, including gym uniform, is enforced, and insisting that children dress according to Christian virtue.
	insisting on their child’s regular school attendance and punctuality and on complying with attendance rules and procedures.
	making all tuition and fee payments on time, and participating in fund- raising activities.
	providing proper supervision at home, and not tolerating harassment, inappropriate or violent behavior, or viewing of such in videos, movies, song lyrics, and on the Internet.
	teaching their child respect for law, for authority, for the rights of others, and for public and private property. This includes showing respect for the work of others by not tolerating cheating in any circumstance.
	arranging for a time and place for their child to complete homework assignments.
	working with the school in a cooperative effort to carry out recommendations made in the best interest of their child, including those related to educational evaluations and counseling.
	attending all Parent-Teacher Conferences and Home-School Association meetings.
	by always interacting in a respectful manner when speaking with or about the administration, teachers and staff of the school. Verbal abuse or physical harassment may result in your child being required to withdraw from the school immediately or not being allowed to re-register for the following year.

The education of a student is a partnership between the parents and the school. Just as the parent has the right to withdraw a child if desired, the school administration reserves the right to require the withdrawal of a student if the administration determines that the partnership is irretrievably broken.


Parent Organizations

A Home-School Organization provides an effective channel of communication between parents and teachers for the benefit of the students and the whole community. Its main purposes are:

	to create mutual support and understanding between home and school, and thus bring about a total learning environment for students
	to provide a means for keeping parents informed of school activities, programs, etc., and if any, parent service requirement
	to assist the school in meeting its financial obligations, primarily through fund-raising activities
	to provide adult education programs.

Philosophy and Goals

Saint Angela Merici School endorses the call of the Catholic Bishops of the United States to express its educational ministry through the three objectives of personal spirituality, social justice, and a strong academic program in accord with Christian values. This commitment extends to building Christian community and to fostering Christian service to the whole human family.

Promotion/Retention Policy

Very few decisions we make about children are more important than recommendations to promote or to retain a student. Most students will be able to follow the school’s regular program of sequential learning objectives. If the student successfully achieves the program’s objectives, the student progresses
to the next grade.

Testing, diagnosis, and actual performance, however, sometimes indicates that some students would benefit from the repetition of the school year. Therefore, the decision to retain a student presupposes that although the school has done everything to help the student achieve success, the student has not made satisfactory progress. The decision of the principal is final regarding promotion and retention.

Re-registration

At the time of re-registration parents will be notified if their child is being invited to return to the school in September or if the child is not being invited back.

Release of Students (during school day)

The school has a sign-out book located in the main office.

Occasions for the use of a sign-out book are:

	for liturgies and services when altar servers leave school, the students will sign out and in.
	in the event of a student illness the parent or an adult designated by the parent must come to the school and take the child. It is against the law to dismiss a child during school hours except into the direct custody of a parent, guardian, or an adult designated by the parent. If the parent cannot be contacted, the secretary will contact the name listed on the child’s emergency contact slip. Emergency slips are completed in September and must be updated as necessary.
	when a student is released to a parent or guardian, that adult must sign the book.
	for a prearranged appointment when the student is released, the parent, guardian, or approved adult must sign the book. [Please note: only the principal may approve the release of a student for a prearranged appointment.]

School’s Right to Amend

Saint Angela Merici School reserves the right to amend this handbook. Notice of amendments will be sent as necessary.

Security

To assure the security of the building and the safety of each child, Saint Angela Merici School strongly enforces its policy of requiring all visitors, even parents, to report to the office.

To avoid interruption of the learning process, no one may enter a classroom without permission of the principal.


Smoking

New York State Law prohibits smoking in a school building and on school property. Smoking is prohibited at all times in the Saint Angela Merici School building, on its parking lot and playing fields. This prohibition applies to faculty, staff, parents,
and all visitors to the school.

Special Learning Needs

Students with learning differences are children of God and members of the Church. Saint Angela Merici School makes every effort to meet individual student needs. Sometimes, however, a student may have needs that do not permit him or her to benefit fully from the program. In those cases your child’s teacher and/or principal may schedule a meeting with you to discuss having an evaluation of your child’s learning needs. Such evaluations can be done through the local public school district, i.e., Committees on Special Education (CSE’s), or privately. Once the results of the evaluation are available the teacher and principal will meet with the parents to discuss the results of the evaluation and the recommendations.

Summer School

Since most summer schools offer reading, mathematics, and language arts, a student who has failed in one or more of these subjects in three marking periods of the report card will be required to take a remedial course during the summer. Summer school also may be recommended due to poor performance on
standardized tests or in the classroom.

In May, a list of available summer schools in the archdiocese will be available upon request. Whenever the administration becomes aware of quality programs suited to the specific needs of a child, the principal or the assistant principal will notify the
parent directly.

The summer school Report Card must be submitted to the office in September. Failure to attend summer school will result in retention. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide documentation that summer school has been successfully completed. In cases in which tutoring is allowed for the remediation, it must be undertaken by a qualified teacher.

Use of School Grounds

Saint Angela Merici School does not have staff available to supervise students present on the school grounds before 7:30 AM and after 3:50 PM. Students must not arrive on the school grounds prior to 7:30 AM and parents must arrange to pick up at dismissal times.

Withdrawals and Transfers

A transfer request must be obtained from the school secretary. All books must be returned. All bills must be paid before records are transferred to another school.


Summary Statement

Once students have met the necessary admission requirements and have been accepted in Saint Angela Merici School, the school warmly welcomes these students for the coming school year and will strive to provide them with a solid Catholic spiritual and academic education in a supportive learning environment. Students and parents must always be mindful that attendance at Saint Angela Merici School is by invitation. It is not a “right” because this is a private school. Admission to and continued enrollment in this school include responsibilities regarding conduct, both inside and outside the classroom and school, and students are expected to conduct themselves in such a manner as to be a credit both to themselves and to their school.

In order to protect its standards of scholarship, discipline and character, Saint Angela Merici School reserves the right, and students and parents or guardians concede to the school the right to require the withdrawal of any student at any time, for any reason deemed sufficient in the sole discretion of the school and its administrators. By the student’s attendance at the school, a student and his or her parents or guardians acknowledge the important obligations and restrictions contained in this handbook and agree to be bound by the terms of this handbook.

Students attending Saint Angela Merici School relinquish certain rights they might otherwise be entitled to if they were attending a public school. For example, a student’s freedom of speech is limited in many important respects here at our school. Speech, either written or oral, contrary to the Roman Catholic faith, the teachings of the church or the directives of the local Bishop or Ordinary is prohibited, as is any other speech which is contrary or disruptive to the philosophy and purposes of our school. Another important right all students at Saint Angela Merici School surrender involves searches and seizures. School administrators may search a student’s person and belongings if there is a reasonable belief, in the sole opinion of the school administrator, that contraband, illegal substances or inappropriate objects are being concealed. Any unauthorized items found may be seized. Additionally, student desks and lockers, which are at all times under the joint control of the school and the student to whom the desk or locker has been assigned, may be searched by school administrators at any time, for any reason or for no reason at all. Students should have absolutely no expectation of privacy with regard to any item in their desks or lockers.

Another important right that a student and his or her parents or guardians give up when they decide to have a student attend this school is the right to sue the school, the parish or the Archdiocese of New York, and/or any individuals acting on behalf of the school, such as the school administrators, teachers, staff or any of their agents for any matter relating to academic or disciplinary decisions or other matters covered within this handbook. Each student and his or her parents or guardians, by their acceptance of enrollment at Saint Angela Merici School agree to and accept the school’s rule and policy that students, parents and guardians may not bring any civil action in any local, state or federal court or in any administrative agency or body to challenge any school decision on academic or disciplinary matters, including any decision relating to the rules, regulations, procedures or programs covered within this handbook. Students and parents or guardians agree that any challenge to any school academic or disciplinary action or relating to the rules, regulations, procedures or programs covered in this handbook may only be challenged or appealed within the hierarchy of the school, subject to the limitations contained in this handbook. This includes any decision relating to a student’s enrollment at the school or termination of that enrollment.

While any student and his or her parents or guardians are of course free to consult with legal counsel regarding any school decision taken with respect to a student, the school emphasizes that students and parents or guardians are not permitted to have legal counsel present during any meetings with school administrators. School administrators are not obligated to meet with legal counsel at any time.

There are several grounds for disciplinary action or expulsion set forth in the “Discipline Codes” section of this handbook. It should be noted, however, that any listing of prohibited conduct is set forth by way of example only and to provide guidance to the student and his or her parents or guardians. It is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of improper conduct or resultant disciplinary action.