SCHOOL COLORS - Maroon and White

ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION SYMBOL - Saints

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Our own faculty members operate this extended care program which consists of snack time, supervised homework/study time and either indoor or outdoor recreation.

For the parents' convenience, we divide this into two periods. You may select either the first or both:

1. 3:00 PM until 4:00 PM

2. 4:00 PM until 5:30 PM

A "Before School" Program is also available starting at 7:00 AM

The cost, payable monthly, is based on the number of school days per

month. There are no refunds for absences. Payments must be up to date

for students to participate in any school activities (see TUITION).

This service is NOT available on a day to day basis.  It is only for those children who are pre-registered and attend on a regular basis.
 

ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

The school Athletic Association administers our sports activities.  Students pay an annual fee at fall registration to participate in the program.

Our Athletic Program depends on volunteer coaches and personnel.  Our children appreciate all our parents who help develop this program and keep it in operation.

SPORTS PROGRAMS

ELIGIBILITY

Any student who is absent from school can not practice or play in a game for that day.

If a student receives a failure notice in any academic subject, conduct, or effort the Athletic Association and the Faculty recommend that the parent remove the child from any sports program in an effort to avoid a failure on the report card.

Once a student does receive a failure on the report card, that student is suspended from all sports for three weeks from the date of the report card.

This suspension includes no practices, games, tournaments, competitions, or all-star activities. 

Any athlete who is suspended from school can not participate in the sport until completion of the suspension.

ATTENDANCE

Our responsibility for the children begins at 8:00 AM and ends at 2:45 PM.
Children who arrive before 8:00 AM or who remain after 2:45 PM must join the After and/or Before School Program - at a monthly fee.

Regular attendance is important since each time a child is absent from class he/she not only misses the work covered that day, but much of the first day on which the he/she returns.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE

To merit Perfect Attendance for the school year a student must attend the full day schedule each day and be on time each day. Students who come to school but leave before 12:30 PM because of sickness, etc. will be marked absent for the afternoon session.  If your school district of residence is closed due to inclement weather and Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic Elementary School is open, your child is not marked absent if you cannot get him/her to school.

LATENESS

A child is late for school if he/she is not in the designated place by 8:15 a.m.  The child must stop at the office for a late slip.  If a student is late because of a school bus delay, the lateness is excused.

EXCUSED ABSENCES

Illness, quarantine, doctor's appointment, death in the family, school  related absences, take your child to work days, absences prearranged with the principal and those due to exceptionally urgent matters are cause for excused absences.   However, the child is still marked absent for the time he/she is not in school.   A student's parent or guardian must provide a satisfactory written explanation for the student's absence. The student must present this note to the homeroom teacher upon return. If a student is absent for three or more days he/she must provide a doctor's note.

DENTAL and DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS

If at all possible, these appointments should be made at a time that would not take the child from his/her classwork. If it is absolutely necessary for a child to have a dental or medical appointment during school hours, the student must bring a written note requesting permission to leave school.

LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY

No student may leave school without permission. If a student must leave school during the course of the day, the parent or guardian must provide a written request for the student's release. The parent/guardian or authorized representative must come for the student and sign the child out of school in the office.

FAMILY VACATIONS

If you are planning a vacation with your child(ren) during the school year, please first check the school calendar to determine the holidays and early dismissals so as to avoid having the child(ren) miss valuable presentations of curriculum. Vacations are unexcused absences (see below). Assignments are given when a student returns from a vacation. All work must be completed within one week of returning to school.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

An elementary student who accumulates eighteen (18) or more unexcused absences for the year may be subject to the withholding of final passing grades, which may affect the child's promotion to the next higher grade. Absences are unexcused if they fail to meet the criteria of an excused absence.

CAFETERIA

SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM

Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic Elementary School participates in the School Lunch Program sponsored by Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Full price lunch is $1.60 per day for K-6 and $1.70 for Grades 7-8. Parents who qualify may complete an application for reduced price lunch or free lunch. Applications are in the main office.

The menu is sent home in advance. Choose the meals you wish to purchase. Send one check payable to PJPII for the choices you make for the entire month.  Lunch payments are also accepted on a weekly basis.

Students may also bring a lunch to school if they choose not to participate in the School Lunch Program.

Students may bring or purchase a snack for the morning recess period.

RULES OF BEHAVIOR

We expect each student to practice these general rules of good manners:

1. Observance of good table manners

2. Quiet conversation while eating

3. Silence when the bell is rung for Grace after meals and dismissal

4. Leave the table and surrounding area clean

5. Place trash in the proper containers

6. Walk quietly out of the cafeteria

The students will remain in the cafeteria until the volunteer lunch mother takes them outside. No student will re-enter the school building during lunch except for an emergency or if accompanied by a teacher or a parent designated by the teacher.

FORGOTTEN LUNCHES

If a student forgets his/her lunch, someone may deliver it to the school office. Please clearly identify the bag or lunch box with the student's name and grade.

CLASS SCHEDULE

Children may enter the school building at 8:00 AM.  The initial Bell rings at 8:15 AM for morning prayer.  Each grade prepares their class schedule which includes a mid-morning bathroom and snack break. 

The bell to end the school day rings at 2:40 PM for the final prayers of the day.  Dismissal starts at 2:45 PM.

 CLOSINGS and DELAYS

PJPII follows the direction of Coatesville Area School District regarding cancellation, delay and closing decisions. WCOJ Radio broadcasts these announcements on 1420 AM radio.  TV Channels 6, 8, 10 and 11 announce our closings.   Our school website also posts changes in the normal routine. 

Web sites offering information:
    PJPII Website:  www.popejohnpaul2sch.org
    NBC10 Website:       www.NBC10.com
    WPVI's Website:        www.WPVI.com
   

If your school district of residence is closed and PJPII is open you may bring your child to school and pick him/her up after school.  No transportation is provided if the district is closed.

Please do not call the school to inquire about school closings or early dismissal. If our phones are tied up with parents calling in, we may not receive the call from the district giving us the information. Often we ourselves have to listen to the radio for dismissal times.

In the event of emergency closings, it is impossible to contact the individual parent; therefore, please instruct your child as to where they are to go in case of an unforeseen or emergency closing. We suggest making arrangements with a relative, neighbor or friend.

COMMUNICATION

Our school communicates regularly with the parents through (1) an annual  CALENDAR OF EVENTS which is mailed to the parents after the initial tuition payment, (2) a monthly calendar and (3) a monthly newsletter.

We send these communications, as well as other periodic flyers, notices, and memoranda, to your home with your oldest child on Mondays in a Correspondence Envelope. We ask that you remove the correspondence, sign this envelope and return it the following day.

CONFERENCES and APPOINTMENTS

We schedule an evening early in the school year for parents as a group to meet the teachers in the classroom setting. The teachers will present their goals and objectives for that particular class and outline their expectations of the students. We strongly encourage all parents not only to attend but to participate in the question and answer dialog.

After the first marking period, we arrange individual parent/teacher conferences.  This is an opportunity for teachers and parents to share mutual observations on the educational growth of the child.  You can expect to receive information in late November concerning scheduling these appointments.

If you wish an individual appointment at any other time, please send a written request to the individual teacher and include a suggested time and your telephone number. You may call the school office at 384-5961and access the teacher's voice mail to leave a message. In either event, the teacher will contact you to confirm the appointment. For obvious reasons, our teachers can not be called to the telephone during the school day, or meet with you without a prior appointment.

School meetings with the teachers or administration will take place only with the parents/guardians and their children.  No meetings will take place with a third party present (relative, friend, lawyer, counselor, etc.)

CURRICULUM

We believe that the most desirable teaching method is one that recognizes learning as a process of self-improvement which teaches the student to think, judge, and act for oneself according to sound principles and right reason.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

The development of faith and trust in God and neighbor is our priority. The curriculum centers on the study of Catholic Doctrine, combined with the constant effort to inspire consistent growth in a solid prayer life. Working with the family of each student, we ask the parents to uphold by word and example the efforts made at school, and through their Parish Priests, to develop strong citizens.

Our goal is to make each student's study and practice of religion become not merely a lesson learned, but a life lived. Since God is the central reality of our existence, the faculty strives to help students understand more fully the goodness of God, His message and His love by providing students with a variety of living and learning experiences.

The prime responsibility for the fulfillment of this obligation rests upon the parents since they are the first educators of their children. Parents have the responsibility of developing their children's love of the Eucharistic Celebration as the center of our Catholic Worship by providing the opportunity to assist at Mass every Sunday and on Holydays of Obligation.

We cannot stress often enough the importance of forming right consciences in regards to Catholic attitudes in fulfilling the Sunday Mass obligation and participating in an active life in your individual parish. We urge parents to participate in the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation with their children. Actions speak louderthan words: children imitate what they see in their parents.

Liturgical Celebration

Liturgies during the school day include Mass on the First Friday of most months, important occasions during the year and the closing of school.   Students in grades 3 through 8 receive the Sacrament of Penance at least twice a year. We encourage parents to receive this Sacrament with their child(ren) frequently in their home parish. Students participate in the Stations of the Cross and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament during the Season of Lent.

Sacramental Preparation

According to the directives of the Cardinal each child receives the Sacraments for the first time in the parish in which the family is registered. Each parish schedules its own preparation for the Sacraments; therefore, more responsibility is given to the parent as the prime educator.

Children in the 2nd grade prepare for First Penance and First Communion; in 4th, 5th and/or 6th grades for Confirmation, depending upon the parish. Parents of children who are receiving these sacraments share with the priests and teachers the privilege of preparing their children for these sacramental experiences. Meetings, talks, discussions and presentations enable the child and parents to receive Our Lord and the Holy Spirit more intimately.

INTEGRATED LANGUAGE ARTS

The philosophy of Integrated Language Arts advocates the use of whole class instruction with flexible small grouping while using a literary anthology for instructional purposes.

Integrated Language Arts is the integration of reading, writing, thinking, listening and speaking. We accomplish this by combining the curriculum of Language Arts with the Reading program or Anthology used in each grade. The curriculum emphasizes the connections and relationships in the learning process. The result is that Reading and Language Arts become a unified whole.

Library

The school library is an integral part of the school's program and serves as a central source for both students and teachers. Its purpose is to assist its users to discover, evaluate and apply information. The student strengthens knowledge and skills in reading and other curriculum areas. They develop individualized tastes which enrich their future contribution to society. We urge parents to encourage the children to grow in love for reading.

We expect parents to share the responsibility of caring for the borrowed books and to be aware of the date on which these books are due. Students are responsible for the replacement value of books lost or destroyed.

Through the assistance of the library staff, our library is computerized in the Winnebago library system.

MATHEMATICS

The Mathematics Program focuses on the vision of the Standards for School Mathematics. This reflects the full breadth of relevant mathematics and its interrelationship with technology. We strive to build the student's confidence in his/her ability to become a problem solver so that the student learns to communicate and to reason. We employ modern techniques and procedures in the presentation of class material.

The school provides the opportunity for students who meet the qualifications to participate in an HONORS MATH PROGRAM starting in the 5th grade.  Those students complete Algebra I by the time they complete 8th grade.  The Principal determines the eligibility of students for the program following the guidelines provided by the Office of Catholic Education of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

SCIENCE

Children have a natural curiosity about the world around them. We channel this curiosity to develop critical thinking skills through the presentation of concept processes appropriate to the student's developmental and cognitive level. To this end, the students will perform research, conduct experiments and develop special projects.

SOCIAL STUDIES

In our Social Studies Program we present History as the story of people - their needs, emotions, problems, and struggles for improvement. By focusing on the dignity and destiny of men we strive to bring to the students the realization that people of every country have a common bond: namely, their responsibility to God and to each other, and the proper use of the natural resources of this earth.

The correlation of map and global studies with the study of History enables the student to visualize the location of the peoples studied in the past and the present.

MUSIC

All students receive instruction in the fundamentals of music.

Following the Archdiocesan guidelines, each grade receives:

Grades K - 4     - 45 minutes per week

Grades 5 - 8     - 50 minutes per week

The students learn sequenced concepts and skills through singing songs, listening to recorded music and playing rhythmic instruments and melodic bells. Musical performances featuring various grade levels and choruses are scheduled periodically.

COMPUTERS

Our program begins with introducing the computer to our kindergarten students and builds as the student progresses through 8th grade. The overall objective of our program is enrichment through curriculum oriented software in the Primary Grades as well as development in the older students of skills in word processing, spreadsheet operations, research and the creation of multi-media presentations.

Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic Elementary School has a computer room with 35 personal computers. We are committed to keeping pace with this exploding technology to the extent that our resources, both physical and financial, allow. The school has local network capability, wireless access points and a full T-1 Internet access.

Our program for the grades K to 4 includes:

1.  Microsoft Windows and popular Windows-based software

2. Keyboarding skills

3. Understanding how the computer works

4. Use of curriculum oriented software that integrates classroom work in other subjects

5. Computer assisted instruction

For grades 5 to 8 the program includes:

1. Microsoft Windows and popular Windows-based software

2. Word processing, spreadsheet operations and database applications

3. Multi-media programs

4. Research using CD-ROMs and the Internet

5. Power Point

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education develops the physical and mental growth of the child while fostering good sportsmanship as well. We develop skills in a gradual and sequential manner.

CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS

Altar Servers                         Guidance Program     

Athletic Program                   Volunteer Aide Program     

After School Program            Yearbook

Cheerleading                          Student Council                              

Remedial Math & Reading     Scouts

Speech Therapy                    Standardized Testing                                         

Contests                                    
- Math, Spelling,  Art                        

DISCIPLINE

Discipline is a necessary reflection of the philosophy of  PJPII. The school and individual classrooms nurture a positive sense of self-discipline in order to provide an environment conductive to learning.  Effective discipline has as its end the development of students who respect themselves, other persons, and those in authority.  As a general rule, the classroom teacher manages the discipline issues of the class and enlists the help of the administration in cases involving serious or repeated misbehavior. 

SUSPENSION

Formal suspension is a serious disciplinary action taken by school authorities against a student whose actions constitute a major disciplinary infraction and are contrary to the good order of the entire school community. Suspension is a major step toward possible dismissal. The Principal will inform the Board of Pastors of  PJPII when a student has been suspended.

The common good of the entire school community needs to be valued by all. Choices that infringe upon this end must be dealt with in a fair and just manner.  The following are considered major disciplinary infractions. However, this list is not limited to the following:

• immorality
• gross defiance
• truancy
• Unauthorized leaving of school grounds or school sponsored events
• theft
• vandalism
• conduct failures
• possession and/or use of weapons
• verbal, physical or sexual harassment
• threats against the faculty, staff, volunteers, students or administration
• possession and/or distribution of illegal substances
• possession of pornographic materials

DISMISSAL

The following policy is established and promulgated governing student dismissal from PJPII:

1. Ordinarily a minimum of two suspensions during the academic year may lead to a student dismissal. In certain incidents, the seriousness of the offense may warrant immediate dismissal.

2. The Board of Pastors alone has the authority to dismiss a student from school.

3. A student is given an indefinite suspension pending a thorough investigation. Dismissal from school is not formalized until the investigation is complete, allowing time for discussion, inquiry, and evaluation by the administration and pastors.

4. Students who are dismissed may apply to the pastors for readmission after one full year. A careful review of the student’s progress in the school of the previous year will be done before readmission is approved.

5. Tuition and fees will not be refunded if a student is dismissed.

General Rules

        The administration reserves the right to discipline students for off-campus conduct. 
        What students do off-campus can detrimentally impacts a school or program's reputation.

The following rules are promulgated to safeguard all students:

1. Students will not use foul language or language not appropriate for the classroom.

2. Students will follow the instructions of the teacher.

3. Students will not be disrespectful - in attitude, word or action.

4. Students will wear the proper school uniform.

5. Students will wear the proper gym uniform.

6. Students will not engage in any action that is potentially or actually harmful to other students. This includes fighting, running, pushing or shoving other students, throwing objects in the classroom, halls, school yard, cafeteria, or bus.

7. Students will not deface school property.

8. Students will not chew gum in or around school property.

9. Students will not bring certain items to school. This includes but is not limited to the following: radios, tapes, CD’s, game-boys, iPods, Walkman, toys, tobacco, alcohol, matches, sharp instruments, etc.

10. Students will not use cell phones during the school day or at school sponsored functions.

11. Students will never leave the classroom or school property without permission.

Cell Phones in School

There are legal issues involved in permitting students to carry cell phones in schools:

    1.  the potential to communicate about drug deals or other illegal activity
    2.  the responsibility of the school to provide the best possible learning environment,
        which can be compromised by ringing phones

The administration of Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic Elementary School believes the wisest course is to permit students to bring cell phones to school with a number of conditions.

Protocol for cell phone possession and use

Cell phones may be brought to school under the following conditions:

    1.  Phones must be kept in the OFF position from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
         For students in the after school program the off positions extended until the
         time of pick-up.

    2.  No cell phones may be used for picture taking.  It is becoming increasingly difficult
         to find non-camera phones.

    3.  No harassment or threatening of persons via the cell phone is permitted.

    4.  Cell phones may not be used for game playing, Internet or e-mail access, gambling
         or making purchases of any kind.

    5.  A school official who hears a phone ringing at an inappropriate time will confiscate the offender's phone.
        Return of the phone will be made to parents who will be required to come to school to retrieve the phone.

    6. Those who violate any of the rules regarding cell phones may forfeit their privileges of bringing them
        to school.

Classroom Rules

1. Students will keep their desks neat and orderly.

2. Students will complete all classwork and home assignments.

3. Students will be on time for class each day.

4. Students who are absent from class will bring a written note from the parents stating the reason for the absence.

5. Students will be responsible to make up any work missed because of absence. Parents may call the school office (610-384-5961) and enter the code for the teacher's voicemail by 9:00 AM on the day of the absence to request work be sent home or picked up. This will give the teacher ample time to have the work in the office for pickup at dismissal.

Outside Rules

1. The lunch monitor or teacher will take the students from the cafeteria to the field.

2. Students may not leave the cafeteria until the teacher or lunch monitor tell them.

3. Students will play in the designated area.

4. Students will not re-enter the building at lunch time except for an emergency or if accompanied by a teacher or a parent designated by the teacher.

DRESS CODE

A student's appearance, self-respect and performance tend to complement one another; therefore, we require each student to exercise
reasonable care and neatness in regard to dress and appearance.

The only authorized dealer is Flynn and O'Hara - 1-800-441-4122.
The Flynn and O'Hara store is located in the Festival Shopping Center in Exton, PA.

Authorized Shoe Supplier:  Flocco's Shoes - 610-828-5540 - www.floccos.com

The children wear the school uniform beginning the first day of school. 

BOYS K-8:        Navy Blue pleated twill slacks with belt, White button-down pinpoint oxford shirt (long or short-sleeved),
                           "Prescott Red" V-neck sweater vest with PJP2 Logo embroidered in white on the left side or
                           "Prescott Red" V-neck Pullover Long Sleeve Sweater with PJP2 Logo embroidered in white on the left side
                            Maroon/Copper/Navy striped tie (styles:  Back-Neck clip or Regular Tie options)
                            Socks:  Navy Blue Crew          

            SHOES: Authorized school shoes:  BASS BUCK, Style #2030262 Exeter

            JEWELRY: None (no earrings, necklaces or bracelets)

            HAIR: Well-groomed and neatly trimmed
                        No hair touching the shirt collar or below the ears
                        No extreme razor cuts with shaved-in designs
                        No dyed or bleached hair

GIRLS  K-4:      Maroon/Green/Navy Plaid Drop Waist Jumper, White Peter Pan shirt (long or short -sleeved),
                           Socks/Tights:  Navy Blue knee socks or Navy Blue tights.
                      
                          OPTIONAL:  "Prescott Red" Button down Cardigan Sweater with PJP2 logo embroidered in white on left side

                           For 2007-2008: 4th grade girls may wear the skirt.

GIRLS  5-8:      Maroon/Green/Navy Plaid Skirt, White button-down pinpoint oxford shirt (long or short -sleeved),
                          Socks/Tights:  Navy Blue knee socks or Navy Blue tights.
                      
                          "Prescott Red" V-neck sweater vest with PJP2 Logo embroidered in white on the left side or
                          "Prescott Red" V-neck Pullover Long Sleeve Sweater with PJP2 Logo embroidered in white on the left side
 

            SHOES: Authorized school shoes:  BASS BUCK, Style #2030262 Exeter

            JEWELRY: One set of post earrings, one in each ear
                                No other jewelry

            MAKE-UP: None

            NAIL POLISH: Clear only, no colors

            HAIR: Well-groomed and neatly styled
                        Small, sensible barrettes and tie-backs are permitted
                        No dyed or bleached or highlighted hair

OPTIONAL SPRING/FALL UNIFORM FOR
BOYS K-8, AND GIRLS 5-8

From the opening of school year through October 16 and April 16 through the close of the school year
the selected grades above may wear:

            "Cardinal Red" short sleeve Polo with PJP2 embroidered in white, it will be worn tucked in on both boys and girls.          

            Navy blue knee high socks for girls; navy blue crew socks for boys

GYM UNIFORM
GRADES K-8:

All Gym uniforms may be purchased at Flynn and O'Hara. 
Students wear the gym uniform to school on the day Physical Education is scheduled for that grade.  

Navy blue sweat pants with PJP2 logo imprinted on front
Maroon sweat shirt with PJP2 logo imprinted on front

or in warmer weather:

Maroon T-Shirt with PJP2 logo imprinted on the front
Navy blue Micro-Mesh Gym Shorts with PJP2 logo imprinted on front

Socks:  white crew length

Official school Sneakers -    Manufacturer:  NEW BALANCE, Style# KX620AWG, Color:  White
                                                                  NEW BALANCE, Style# KX621, Color:  White
                                                                  Reebok Time and Half, Style# 143955, Color:  White
                                                                  Reebok Kick Out , Style# 153104, Color:  White

Official School/Sneaker Supplier:  Flocco's Shoes, 610-828-5540, www.floccos.com
                                                        Olly's Shoes, Main Street Exton
                                                        Or Any retail store or outlet that sells the required style sneaker.