School Handbook
THE MISSION
Mission Statement
Sacred Heart Nativity School is a Catholic
middle school that seeks to educate young men in partnership with
the Society of Jesus, the Diocese of San Jose, and the Parish of
Sacred Heart. The school
is dedicated to providing a low cost education to boys of all faiths,
with a first priority given to those whose families are members of
Sacred Heart Church. SHNS is a member of the Nativity Network,
which has as its motto: "Breaking the Cycle of Poverty through Education." In
the Jesuit tradition, the school promotes the education of the whole
person, challenging students to reach their full intellectual, spiritual,
social, and physical potential. Sacred Heart Nativity School,
with the support of parents, seeks to impart the discipline, academic
skills, and character development that will prepare students to enter
college preparatory high school programs. Nativity students are encouraged
to form a friendship with God that will shape them as "people for
others," putting their faith into action. The school asks of its
students what the Lord requires of all faithful people:
To act justly, to love tenderly,
and to walk humbly with our God.
(Micah
6:8)
THE GOAL
Graduate Outcomes
The SHNS graduate is Academically Successful:
- He acknowledges the importance of education
in shaping his future.
- He is able to communicate ideas effectively
in speech and in writing.
- He demonstrates grade level (or above)
competence in reading and mathematics.
- He
employs organizational skills, sound study habits, and a strong
work ethic to support his academic performance.
The SHNS graduate is Spiritually Active:
- He knows of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
- He uses Christian values in his decision-making.
- He understands the importance of being
a person for others and serving those in need.
- He understands and supports the work for peace and justice in
our society.
The SHNS graduate is
Personally Respectful:
- He shows respect for himself by the positive choices he makes
for his life.
- He respects the rights and needs of others and treats them with
kindness and understanding.
- He demonstrates cooperation in the classroom,
courtesy in personal relationships, and good sportsmanship on the
playground.
- He respects the differences among individuals of diverse races,
cultures, and gender, and he shows this respect through his attitudes
and behavior.
The SHNS graduate is Consistently Responsible:
- He acts with honesty and integrity in school, at home, and with
his peers.
- He holds himself responsible for his actions and accepts the
consequences of his behavior.
- He recognizes the need for positive leadership roles both in
and out of the classroom.
- He values God's creation and knows he must help preserve and
protect the community and world environments.
THE PLAN
Characteristics of SHNS's Program
- Small Class Size - Classes in reading,
writing and mathematics average 10 students; overall, the student
to teacher ratio is 8:1.
- Extended School Day - Students attend
school from 7:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., including a 90 minute afternoon
Homework Club (Monday through Thursday).
- Saturday School - This mandatory
session offers catch-up time in academics, field trips to special
Northern California sites (i.e., Golden Gate Bridge, Monterey Bay,
Alcatraz), and varied physical activities.
- Summer School - Students attend a
three-week summer session at Bellarmine College Preparatory
- Summer Camp - Camp at rustic Applegate
helps students to maintain their academic skills, strengthen
interpersonal relationships, and enjoy swimming, horseback riding,
and hiking.
- Long-Term Relationships - Our graduates
can depend on Nativity School for high school tuition assistance,
tutoring, peer support, and academic guidance.
- Committed Volunteers - Volunteers
from Bellarmine College Preparatory and Archbishop Mitty High
School, Santa Clara University, and the larger community serve
as tutors and guest instructors.
- Commitment to Leadership - The school provides students with
opportunities to be contributing members of their communities.
PARENT HANDBOOK
I. GENERAL GUIDELINES
PARENT AND SCHOOL COMMITMENT
Parents are the primary educators of
their children. Most
of life's early lessons and faith formation come from the parents'
instruction and example. Sacred Heart Nativity School recognizes
parents' leadership in developing young people's attitudes, behaviors,
and values. SHNS makes a commitment to communicate with and
support parents, and it is expected that parents communicate with
and support the school. Together, we will educate our students
to the best of our ability.
STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Sacred Heart Nativity School works to
provide a kind, positive, and welcoming environment to students,
teachers, staff, and parents. Our
guiding principles are to love God and love our neighbor. A
student at SHNS has the right to be safe, supported, and treated
with respect. In turn, every student has the responsibility
to act in a just and positive manner. Mean, unkind, or cruel
treatment of one person by another will not be tolerated in or out
of the classroom. Anyone choosing to exclude, put-down, or
treat another in a derogatory manner will be subject to corrective
action. Those repeating such harassing behaviors face serious
consequences.
COURTESY
SHNS students should behave with courtesy,
respect, and general good manners. Students are expected to greet adults in the
school and be helpful and polite. A trademark of Nativity
students is a firm handshake, good eye contact, and a warm greeting. Social
courtesies such as "Please," "Thank you," "You're welcome," and "Good
morning" should be the norm.
II. GENERAL INFORMATION
History
The late Monsignor Mateo Sheedy, pastor
for 12 years of Sacred Heart Church of San José, saw the children of his parish struggle
to finish high school. Knowing that in the United States only
two percent of Hispanics graduate from college, Fr. Mateo invited
the Jesuits to start a middle school so that the Latino youth of
his parish would have a greater opportunity to succeed. In
the early months of 2000, a Jesuit, Fr. Peter Pabst, became available
to undertake this project, bringing with him the Nativity model of
education. A Memorandum of Understanding uniting
the Jesuits, the Diocese of San José and Sacred Heart Parish
to start this school was signed in September of 2000, and the task
of rehabilitating the 50-year old Sacred Heart School began in 2001.
Nativity Network
The
Nativity Educational Centers Network is a national association of
independent educational centers. Each Nativity educational
center has its own distinctive identity, mission and character, but
each is patterned on an original model developed in 1971 by the Nativity
Mission Center in New York City. The Nativity model focuses
on middle school years and offers a low-cost, quality education for
students of low-income urban families. It is faith-based with
small classes, extended days, and an extended school calendar. Parental
involvement is required. The model also offers program support
during the high school years. The Judeo-Christian values of
respect for the dignity and potential of each person, a responsibility
to assist the poor, a strong sense of community, and the obligation
to promote social justice are the guiding pillars. In this
Nativity model, students are enrolled without regard to race, color,
religion or ethnicity.
Administrative Structure
SHNS
follows the leadership model of President/Principal structure. Fr.
Peter Pabst, SJ, is President and reports to a Board of Members and
a Board of Directors. The daily operations of the school are
the responsibility of Kevin Eagleson, Principal.
School Hours
School Hours are from 7:30 A.M. to 6:00
P.M. Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Friday. Saturday School usually
runs from 8:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. and is scheduled approximately
twice per month.
Daily Schedule
Daily schedules differ from grade to
grade and day to day. However,
a sample schedule might be as follows:
7:30 - 8:00 Breakfast
8:00 - 8:20 Assembly
8:25 - 9:10 Social
Studies / Science
9:15 - 10:00 Religion
10:00-10:15 Morning
Break
10:15 - 11:05 Writing
11:10-12:00 Reading
12:00 - 12:45 Lunch
and Recess
12:50 - 1:35 Mathematics
1:40 - 2:25 Spanish
2:30 - 3:00 Music
/ Computers / Speech
3:00 - 3:15 Snack
Break
3:15 - 4:30 Activities
/ Art Class / Sports
4:30 - 5:55 Homework
Club
6:00 Dismissal
Morning Assembly
SHNS
begins every day by gathering the entire school community in a tradition
known as Assembly. Assembly is held to welcome students to school,
to take attendance, to focus on a goal for the day, to offer prayers,
to practice public speaking, and to work on specific social skills.
This is the spiritual heart of the school and demonstrates our commitment
to each student as an individual.
Office Hours
School office hours are from 10:00 A.M.
to 6:00 P.M. on Mondays,
and from 7:15 A.M. to 3:15 P.M. Tuesday through Friday. The
school office is closed on Saturday School mornings, school holidays,
and during the summer months.
Registration, Tuition and Immunization
A
one-time registration fee of $20 is required of
each incoming 6th grade family. This fee should accompany
the initial registration paperwork.
Tuition at SHNS is
$480 per year. Payments
may be made in monthly installments of $40 over all twelve months. No
student will be denied an education due to an inability to pay tuition. If
the tuition payment becomes a financial hardship, the President should
be contacted.
Immunization
documentation is required by the State of California. Each
family receives immunization requirements at the beginning of each
summer. Physicals and immunization shots should be scheduled
during the summer vacation period. Students without proper
immunization may be prohibited from attending school.
Attendance, Tardy, and Homework Buddies
If
a student is absent , parents are required to call
the school office between 7:15-8:15 A.M. on that day. The
secretary will contact the parents of any student who has not reported
an absence.
A
pupil who arrives after 7:45 A.M. is tardy .
When
a student is absent, his designated Homework Buddy will
complete the homework assignment form and gather the necessary books. These
should be picked up from the school office after 3 P.M.
Early Dismissal
If
a student needs to be dismissed early for an appointment, parents
should send a written request or call the school secretary the morning
of the appointment. Parents should come to the school office
to pick up the student. If students return before the end
of the day, they should report to the school office before rejoining
their class.
Meals
Breakfast
(at 7:30 A.M.) and lunch (at 12:00 noon) are provided in the cafeteria. The
meals are prepared by Martha's Kitchen daily. Students are
not allowed to bring personal meals to school. A light
snack is also provided at 3:00 P.M.
Parents and Visitors on Campus
Parents
and guests are most welcome to visit SHNS. However, all guests
are required to check in at the school office and pick up a visitor's
pass.
Emergency Address Cards
Each student must have a complete and
up-to-date Emergency Card on file in school. In cases of illness,
accident or emergency, the school will contact the parents first. If
the parents cannot be reached, the persons listed on the emergency
card will be called. Parents should be sure to notify these persons
that they have been listed as emergency contacts.
Contacting Students during the School Day
Contacting
students during the school day should be reserved for emergencies. If
you need to pass along a message to your child, please call the school
office and ask the secretary to relay the message. Interrupting
class is discouraged.
Summer School
Students
entering 7th and 8th grade are required to attend summer school at
Bellarmine College Preparatory for three weeks in mid June and early
July. The summer school hours are 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Transportation
will be coordinated by the school, with the assistance of parent
volunteer drivers.
Summer Leadership Camp
For three weeks after summer school,
7th and 8th graders attend summer camp at Applegate, CA. (Incoming 6th graders attend
the second and third weeks only.) Summer camp offers students
experiences in leadership, academics, nature, and athletics. Students
reinforce skills developed during the school year, live in a community
setting, and build teamwork and school spirit.
Community Service
In
keeping with the Jesuit motto of "men and women for others," SHNS
requires students to participate in service projects throughout the
year. These projects will usually be scheduled during the afternoon
activity time (3:15 - 4:30 P.M.) or on Saturdays.
III. ACADEMICS
The staff at SHNS recognizes the wide range of abilities, stages
of cognitive development, and levels of maturity in middle school
students. Therefore, in addition to subject knowledge grades, the
faculty supports an evaluation system which encourages the development
of productive work habits, skills, and attitudes. The school has
developed a grading system that:
- reflects student achievement in curricular subjects
- provides various age-appropriate opportunities for the student
to successfully demonstrate knowledge of subject matter
- fosters student responsibility by evaluating work quality and
effort
Grade Scale
A 100-95 B- 82-80 D+ 69-67
A- 94-90 C+ 79-77 D 66-63
B+ 89-87 C 76-73 D- 62-60
B 86-83 C- 72-70 F Below
60
A = Excellent B = Good C = Satisfactory D
= Unsatisfactory F = Failure
Report Cards
Report
cards are issued four times during the school year. Each quarter
report card reflects the student's performance over the nine-week
quarter. First semester grades are the average of the first
and second quarter grades, and second semester grades are the average
of the third and fourth quarter grades. Parents should pay
close attention to the grades for Conduct, Effort, and Homework. These
grades do not reflect the student's academic achievement, but rather
evaluate the commitment the student is making to his education.
Progress Reports
Progress
Reports are informal attempts to let parents know of their student's
mid-quarter grades. These reports are meant to give students
and parents a timely warning if progress is less than satisfactory. Parents
may call the school office to arrange for a parent-teacher conference
at any time during the school year.
Honor Roll
First
and Second Honors is a quarterly award for students who have performed
well academically and represent the best qualities of a Nativity
student. A Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5+ in the seven
core curricular subjects is required for First Honors; and a GPA
of 3.0 in the seven core curricular subjects is required for Second
Honors. Additionally, the award winners must receive recommending
grades (A/B) in Conduct, Effort, and Homework; and they must receive
a C or better in every subject category (core curricular and co-curricular
subjects).
Academic Awards Assembly
An
Academic Awards Assembly is held on the Wednesday morning following
report card distribution. Certificates for Perfect Attendance,
First Honors, Second Honors, and the President's Award are presented
at this time. Award winners are listed in the Parent Newsletter
the following Friday.
Standardized Testing
Standardized
tests are given to all grades in September and May. Testing
results are used to evaluate student strengths and weaknesses, chart
student growth, and design curriculum based on student needs. Test
results are sent home as soon as they become available. Any
parent who would like further clarification of testing results is
encouraged to make an appointment with the Principal.
Textbooks
At
the beginning of the school year, students will be issued the books
needed for each subject. Pupils are responsible for the good
condition of these books. Books are to be covered and remain
covered throughout the year. Textbooks that are lost or damaged
must be paid for by the student. The cost will be at the replacement
rate.
Academic Probation
A student is placed on Academic Probation
when he receives any of the following combinations of grades on
a single report card: 2 F's, or 3 D's, or 2 D's and 1 F. This indicates that the student
is not making expected progress in a number of subject areas. Academic
Probation is a serious situation, and parents will be notified
in writing. When this happens, parents are encouraged to call
the school to set up parent/teacher conferences with specific teachers. Grades
of D+ or below are not recommending grades. Student improvement
is required.
Dismissal for Academic Reasons
A student who has been placed on Academic
Probation one or more times and does not indicate a significant
determination to improve his academic performance may be asked
to withdraw from school.
Field Trips
Field
trips are part of the learning curriculum at SHNS. Each grade
will participate in off-campus experiences. Often field trips
are scheduled for Saturday School to allow for parent participation
and travel requirements.
Homework
Homework is an integral part of the
SHNS experience. It is assigned nightly in math, English, and literature,
assigned often in Spanish, science, social studies, and religion,
and rarely in computer, music and public speaking. Homework assignments are meant to reinforce
skills and concepts learned in classroom lessons and activities. Homework
allows students to practice their skills and use newly-acquired knowledge. By
completing homework assignments, students will acquire habits of
study and responsibility. Nightly homework is the responsibility
of the student.
Students
have time between 4:30-6:00 P.M. to complete a large portion of their
homework. However, by design, students will rarely complete
all of their assigned work during Homework Club. The remaining
assignments must be completed at home.
Homework Club
Homework Club is held Monday through
Thursday from 4:30-6:00 P.M. All students are required to attend
Homework Club for the full period. This
class is supervised by the teaching staff of SHNS and supplemented
by volunteer tutors. This period is very productive, and a
great deal of independent learning takes place.
Parent Tips for Homework :
- Show interest in your son's work and school subjects.
- Engage him in conversation about school topics and projects.
- Make sure that assignments are completed in a orderly fashion.
- Provide a quiet time and a well-lighted space for you son to
do his work.
- Eliminate TV, video games, phone calls,
and other distractions during the homework hour.
- You may want to read yourself - to
model for him the importance of reading.
- Praise and support your son's homework efforts and academic growth.
- Contact your son's teacher any time you have a concern.
Computer Usage
The
computers, network, and internet connections at SHNS are for the
educational use of the students and teachers. Students will
be taught the correct procedures for keyboarding, printing, researching,
downloading, and saving to their files. They will be asked
to sign a Technology Users Contract at the beginning of the school
year. Any violations of the contract or computer abuse may
result in loss of computer privileges.
IV. PARENT-SCHOOL
COMMUNICATION
Open Communication
By
its very nature, SHNS requires open communication among parents,
students, teachers, and administration. Proactive discussions
and frank communication generate a cohesive, supportive environment. Parents
are encouraged to bring educational and personal concerns first to
the teacher(s) and then, if not resolved, to the Principal.
Parent Group
All
parents are members of the Parent Group. Its purposes are
threefold:
(1) to provide a social setting for parents
to interact and organize school activities;
(2) to represent the parent community in
school suggestions and critiques;
(3) to strengthen communication between
the parent community and the school.
Parent Education Classes
Parenting classes are offered in the
evenings during each semester. Sixth
grade parents are required to attend . Topics range
from communicating effectively with your child, establishing discipline
procedures at home, to sharing the joys and struggles with other
school parents.
Purple Folders
Weekly
Purple Folders are sent home on Fridays. They contain the
Parent Newsletter, notes from teachers, Student Goal Sheets, announcements,
and corrected student work. This is the school's channel of
written communication. It is important that parents review
the folder every Friday afternoon. All school announcements
and reminders will be placed in the Purple Folder.
Parent Newsletter
The
Parent Newsletter is a weekly message from the Principal to the parents. It
contains simple calendar announcements, clarified school policies,
notes of gratitude, and weekly highlights. All newsletters
are published in English and Spanish.
Student (Weekly) Goal Sheets
Students
are asked to begin each day by selecting a goal - an achievable task - to
be accomplished that day. The goal sheet is student-created
and student-evaluated. The faculty offers suggestions and
guidelines each day to assist students in selecting positive personal
goals. Goal sheets are reviewed periodically by faculty and
administration, and are sent home in the Purple Folder. Parents
are encouraged to read and discuss the goal sheets with their students.
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
Parents
and students are required to attend Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
twice each year: in November (end of first quarter) and February
(end of second quarter). Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
in March (end of third quarter) are by request only. Parents
and students should use this opportunity to review any concerns and
make plans for future improvement and support. A conference
schedule sign-up form is sent home in early November and February,
to allow parents to select convenient days and times. Priority
is on a first come, first serve basis. Bilingual conferences are
available and marked on the sign-up form.
V. STUDENT BEHAVIOR
AND DISCIPLINE
Pillars of Character at Sacred Heart Nativity School
Trustworthiness -- be
honest; be reliable; be honorable; do the right thing; be loyal to
family and friends.
Citizenship -- make
your school and community better; cooperate; educateyourself;
be a helpful neighbor; respect authority; protect the environment.
Responsibility -- do
what is asked; persevere (keep trying); do your best; useself
control; think before acting; be accountable for your choices.
Fairness -- play
by the rules; take turns; share; listen to others; acceptresponsibility.
Caring - be kind;
be compassionate; give thanks; forgive others; help others.
Respect - follow the
Golden Rule; practice patience; use good manners; beconsiderate;
be peaceful.
Self-Confidence - believe
in yourself; try your best; know who you are; stand up to
peer pressure.
Student Behavior Expectations
All
members of the Sacred Heart Nativity School community have a responsibility
to create and maintain a safe, nurturing environment. Proper
conduct is essential for learning to take place. Students
play a major role in supporting a productive atmosphere.
Students
must follow school procedures. School policies of courtesy,
respect, and care for property are basic and easily understood. Common
sense is the guiding principle. Decisions, behaviors, and
choices that support a positive learning environment are expected. SHNS
behavior expectations procedures are expected to be followed at all
school functions, including Saturday school, summer school, and summer
camp.
In an attempt to highlight negative choices and behaviors, which
detract from a positive school environment, the following list was
compiled:
1. Cheating or copying
is not allowed.
2. Students may not
leave the school grounds without permission.
3. Portable radios,
CD players, computer software, electronic games, cellphones, beepers,
pagers, cards, and personal toys are not to be brought to school.
4. Possession of
firecrackers is prohibited by state law.
5. Possession of
tobacco is prohibited.
6. Gum and sunflower
seeds are not allowed on school grounds.
7. Offensive language
is disrespectful and unacceptable.
8. Gang-related colors
(red and blue), clothing, and signs are not permitted.
9. Graffiti to school
property or personal property is not allowed.
10. Taking materials that do
not belong to you (stealing) is a serious offense.
Foundations for Discipline Policies
- It is the obligation of the school to maintain a safe place for
students and a positive learning atmosphere.
- Discipline should promote an individual student's development
and self discipline.
- Any disciplinary action should be corrective with emphasis on
developing within the student responsibility for his conduct.
- Parents should be involved early in any chronic or serious disciplinary
situation.
- Consideration should be given to guidance and counseling or referral
for psychological evaluation for recurring problems.
- There should be an appeal process available for any serious situation
that results in expulsion.
Classroom Discipline
Each teacher's style of disciple will
vary, depending on teacher personality, size of class, type of
student disruption, etc. However,
discipline will be fair and compassionate. Each teacher will
review class procedures, expectations, and discipline policies at
the beginning of the school year. Good behavior will be positively
reinforced.
Minor rule violations are handled by
a warning. On-going
minor problems or more serious violations will be handled by one
or more of the following:
1. student/teacher meeting
2. a notification of parents
3. out of class time spent with
the teacher
4. meeting of parent/student/teacher
5. meeting of student/teacher/principal
6. meeting of parent/student/teacher/principal
Serious Discipline Problems
Serious
acts of disrespect or defiance will be dealt with immediately. The
principal will be involved and the parent will be contacted. Behaviors
that may require a student to be removed immediately from school
(suspension) include fighting, disrespecting teachers and staff,
and activities that create an unsafe environment. Students
who have been suspended will not be allowed to rejoin the school
community until they, their parents, and the principal meet at the
conclusion of their suspension. Students and their parents
may be asked to agree to a contract regarding future behavior and
other possible consequences as a requirement for returning.
Off-Campus Behavior
Sacred
Heart Nativity students are ambassadors of the school and the greater
community. Student attitudes and actions reflect directly
on the reputation of the school. Behaviors on and off campus
should be consistent with the mission and purpose of the school. Serious
off-campus incidents may require serious school consequences.
Disciplinary Probation
Because
of a serious incident or chronic problem, a student may be placed
on Disciplinary Probation for a designated time period. The
terms of the probation will be made clear to the student and parents
in writing. A student's failure to abide by the conditions
of the probation may result in dismissal from school.
Expulsion
Expulsion
(dismissal) would require the parents to immediately withdraw the
student from Sacred Heart Nativity School. Examples of actions
or behaviors that would lead to expulsion are, but are not limited
to, the following:
1. Bringing
weapons to school
2. Bringing
drugs or alcohol to school
3. Gang-related
activity
4. Continued
harassment or threatening behavior toward others
5. Repeated
incidents of theft
6. Destruction
of school propert
Appeal Process
Parents
wishing to appeal an expulsion from SHNS should follow the following
procedure. After the conclusion of an expulsion conference
with the Principal, the parents may request a meeting with the President
of SHNS. The President is the final decision-maker and supervises
the Principal. If the expulsion is upheld, the decision stands. If
the expulsion is reversed, a student behavior contract will be drawn
up prior to the student's readmission.
V. UNIFORM, DRESS
CODE, AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE
School Uniform
All students are required to be in uniform
for school. The
uniform consists of a white or gray Nativity shirt, a green Nativity
sweatshirt, uniform khaki pants or shorts with belt, and shoes
appropriate for school. Physical education class (PE) uniform
requires a plain white T-shirt and gym shorts. For the safety
of our students, gang colors are not allowed. This includes
blue or red color on shoes, belts, backpacks, etc. A top cover
(jacket or additional sweatshirt) may be worn to school during colder
weather, but it should be removed upon entering the building.
Free Dress Code
On Free Dress Days, students should
dress appropriately for school. Gang
colors are not allowed.
Personal Appearance
All students are expected to be clean
and neat and wear their uniform appropriately. Personal hygiene at the junior high school
level is an important life lesson. Students should shower
daily, brush teeth often, and come to school well-groomed. Hair
must be the natural color and off the collar. No moustache
or facial hair is permitted. Jewelry and earrings are not
allowed, with the exception of a wristwatch. Every effort
will be made to discreetly correct students who are in violation
of the dress code.
* It is the responsibility
of the parents to ensure that their student comes to school dressed
and groomed appropriately.
* Parents and guardians
who send their students to SHNS accept the judgment of the administration
as final in matters of school dress and appearance.
IV. HEALTH AND
SAFETY
Child Abuse
All
students are protected by California law which requires school personnel
to immediately report cases of suspected child abuse to Children's
Protective Services.
California law defines child abuse as any
of the following:
- A child is physically injured by other than accidental means.
- A child is subject to willful cruelty or unjustifiable punishment.
- A child is abused or exploited sexually.
- A child is neglected by a parent or caretaker who fails to provide
adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care or supervision.
In turn, a parent or guardian has the right
to file a complaint against a school or employee who has engaged
in child abuse while at the school site. Children's Protective Services
number is 408-299-2071.
Counseling Services
SHNS offers counseling services to students
and families. Students
may be recommended for counseling by teachers or parents, or students
may request counseling themselves. Because of time limitations
of the part-time counselor, some personal and family counseling may
be referred off-site.
The school counselor maintains a high
degree of confidentiality. Information
from counseling sessions is shared only when it directly assists
the student.
Emergency Practice
Students
are instructed in fire / earthquake safety and participate in regular
emergency drills.
Insurance
Santa
Clara County's "Healthy Families / Healthy Kids" program (Dental,
Prescriptions and Vision) is available to all families at a very
low cost. Contact 1-888-244-5222 for more information.
First Aid
First
aid is available at the main office for minor injuries. First
aid kits are available for field trips. If injuries are of
a serious nature, parents will be contacted immediately.
Medication
No student may be given any medication
at school without written permission from the parents or physician. A note authorizing
the school to administer aspirin is necessary. Parents must
notify the school if a child is taking medication for allergies or
other medical problems. Any authorized medication will be
administered through the office. All medication, with the
exception of asthma inhalers, will be stored in the office.
Please note : Students may
carry asthma inhalers for their personal use, as long as parents
have given written permission to the school office. Students
may not share inhalers.
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