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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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