Parent HandbookSt. Thomas Day School

2100 Hilton AvenueColumbus, GA 31906

(706) 324-1268

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. WELCOME............................................................................................................................................4

2. PURPOSE..............................................................................................................................................4

3. MISSION STATEMENT..........................................................................................................................4

4. ABOUT ST. THOMAS............................................................................................................................4

5. PHILOSOPHY........................................................................................................................................5

6. REGISTRATION.....................................................................................................................................5

6.1 Annual Registration.....................................................................................................................5

6.2 Open Registration........................................................................................................................5

6.3 Waiting List..................................................................................................................................5

7. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS.................................................................................................................6

7.1 Preschool Entrance Requirements...............................................................................................6

7.2 Parents Morning Out Entrance Requirements.............................................................................6

8. REQUIRED ADMISSION FORMS AND FEES...........................................................................................6

9. TUITION AND FEES...............................................................................................................................6

9.1 Registration Fee...........................................................................................................................6

9.2 Preschool Fees.............................................................................................................................6

9.3 Parents Morning Out Fees...........................................................................................................7

9.4 Additional Fees............................................................................................................................7

9.5 Payment Method.........................................................................................................................7

9.6 Late Payment Policy.....................................................................................................................7

10. WITHDRAWAL POLICY.....................................................................................................................7

11. SCHOOL OPERATION........................................................................................................................8

11.1 Annual Calendar..........................................................................................................................8

11.2 Months of Operation...................................................................................................................8

11.3 Hours of Operation......................................................................................................................8

11.4 Holiday and Planning Schedule....................................................................................................8

11.5 Severe Weather Closings.............................................................................................................8

11.6 Summer Camps............................................................................................................................8

12. COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES....................................................................................................9

12.1 Parent-Director Communication..................................................................................................9

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12.2 Parent-Teacher Communication..................................................................................................9

12.3 Confidentiality.............................................................................................................................9

13. CURRENT RECORDS.......................................................................................................................10

13.1 Current Contact Information.....................................................................................................10

13.2 Current Custody Information.....................................................................................................10

14. ATTENDANCE POLICY.....................................................................................................................10

15. ST. THOMAS DAY SCHOOL BAGS....................................................................................................10

16. CLOTHING AND SHOES..................................................................................................................10

17. PARENTS MORNING OUT CURRICULUM OVERVIEW.....................................................................11

18. PRESCHOOL CURRICULUM OVERVIEW..........................................................................................11

18.1 Two Year Old Program Overview...............................................................................................12

18.2 Three Year Old Program Overview............................................................................................12

18.3 Four Year Old Program Overview..............................................................................................13

18.4 Chapel........................................................................................................................................13

18.5 Music.........................................................................................................................................13

18.6 Recess........................................................................................................................................14

18.7 Enrichment................................................................................................................................14

19. PARTIES AND CELEBRATIONS.........................................................................................................14

20. SNACK............................................................................................................................................14

21. LUNCH...........................................................................................................................................15

22. INFANT REQUIREMENTS................................................................................................................15

23. POTTY TRAINING............................................................................................................................15

24. ALLERGIES AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS.....................................................................................15

25. ARRIVAL AND PICK UP...................................................................................................................16

25.1 Early Arrival Service...................................................................................................................16

25.2 Carpool Service..........................................................................................................................16

25.3 Walk-In......................................................................................................................................16

25.4 Authorized Persons Pick Up.......................................................................................................17

25.5 Tardy Pick Up Policy...................................................................................................................17

26. DISCIPLINE POLICY.........................................................................................................................17

27. BITING AND PHYSICAL HARM........................................................................................................17

28. ILLNESS..........................................................................................................................................18

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29. MEDICATIONS................................................................................................................................19

30. CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT..................................................................................................................19

31. EMERGENCY AND NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES............................................................................19

31.1 Emergency Notification.............................................................................................................19

31.2 Non-Emergency Notification......................................................................................................19

31.3 Emergency Information.............................................................................................................19

31.4 Insurance...................................................................................................................................20

32. FUNDRAISING, DONATIONS, AND VOLUNTEERS...........................................................................20

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1. WELCOMEWelcome to a new academic year with St. Thomas Day School! We can’t wait for another magical year of learning and friendships at St. Thomas to begin; and our enthusiasm is contagious! Our creative, hands-on teaching approach develops a passion for learning and school in our students. Thank you for the trust you place in us to care for and guide your child along academic and spiritual paths. We are looking forward to being a partner in your child’s growth.

Come experience the magic!

2. PURPOSEThe purpose of this handbook is to provide a guide that familiarizes parents/guardians (hereinafter “parents”) with daily school operating policies and procedures, as well as to answer common questions. As this handbook cannot address every situation or circumstance, please feel free to contact our Director with any additional questions and concerns you may have. We have an open door policy that values and encourages communication between parents, teachers, and the Director.

3. MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of St. Thomas Day School is to build a strong core of school-readiness in each student through social, intellectual, emotional, and physical development in a loving Christian-based teaching environment.

4. ABOUT ST. THOMASSt. Thomas Day School was established in XXXX and includes both Preschool and Parent’s Morning Out Programs serving families in Columbus, Georgia and surrounding communities. The Preschool is an accredited program that fully prepares children for a successful transition to elementary education. Along the way, St. Thomas instills in students a passion for learning and attending school through its established program of captivated learning.

At the heart of St. Thomas’ program is its extraordinary and dedicated staff. Children at St. Thomas experience individualized instruction and attention. From the Director to teachers and enrichment instructors, the St. Thomas staff creates an atmosphere of Christian love and encouragement. Our well-trained staff provides a schedule of daily educational activities designed to stimulate each child’s growth at each stage of development. We support our teachers with all necessary training and encourage them to continue to grow professionally.

St. Thomas Day School is a Christian school affiliated with St. Thomas Episcopal Church and is governed by the Day School Board . The Board consists of representatives from the church and

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school. The Board meets regularly to discuss current happenings of the school, as well as to conduct strategic planning to continue the ongoing success and development of St. Thomas Day School.

5. PHILOSOPHY Children are a gift from God. Hands-on educational activities develop a passion for learning and attending school. Established routines allow children to understand expectations and succeed. Parents are the most important adults in a child’s life. School must be a safe and loving environment for all children.

6. REGISTRATIONSt. Thomas Day School welcomes families of all faiths, ethnicity, and socio-economic backgrounds. We value a diverse student body and conduct a non-discriminatory admission process.

6.1 Annual RegistrationAnnual registration for the upcoming academic year opens January 1 of the current year and closes February 1. All registration paperwork must be completed by the child’s parent. All of the following must be received in order to complete the registration process:

1. Registration Form;2. Signed agreement between St. Thomas Day School and parent;3. Emergency Release Form;4. Immunization Record (GA 3231 Form); 5. Non-refundable registration fee in the amount of $60; and 6. Pro-rated August tuition ($150 for Day School and $100 for Parents Morning Out).

We believe that small student-teacher ratios provide the optimal learning environment. Accordingly, space may be limited. Please secure your child’s position by timely submitting all annual registration requirements.

6.2 Open RegistrationAs space allows, St. Thomas operates on a year-round admission policy. Please contact the Director at any time during the year to inquire about classroom availability.

6.3 Waiting List When capacity is reached in a classroom, the Director will maintain a waiting list of students interested in attending St. Thomas. Vacancies are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

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7. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS St. Thomas Day School Preschool entrance requirements were developed in accordance with Muscogee County School District guidelines.

7.1 Preschool Entrance Requirements Two Year Old Program - 2 years or older on or before September 1 of the school year. Three Year Old Program - 3 years or older on or before September 1 of the school year. Four Year Old Program - 4 years or older on or before September 1 of the school year.

7.2 Parents Morning Out Entrance Requirements Parents Morning Out children must be between the ages of 3 months and 2 years old.

8. REQUIRED ADMISSION FORMS AND FEES The following items are required upon admission into St. Thomas Day School:

1. Registration Form;2. Signed agreement between St. Thomas Day School and parent;3. Emergency Release Form;4. Immunization Record (GA 3231 Form); 5. Non-refundable registration fee in the amount of $60; and 6. Tuition deposit in the amount of one month’s tuition.

Complete immunizations are a Georgia State requirement and are necessary for entrance and continued enrollment in St. Thomas Day School. All immunization records must be received on the GA 3231 form. Parents are required to update records after each set of immunizations. If there is a medical reason for a lack of current immunizations, the parent must provide the Director with a notarized letter from the attending physician detailing the reason. The Director will review the issue on a case-by-case basis.

9. TUITION AND FEES

9.1 Registration Fee The registration fee is a one time per year, non-refundable fee in the amount of $60. The registration fee is due on the day of registration.

9.2 Preschool Fees Preschool Fees

Fee Description Amount Due DatePreschool Registration $60 Upon registrationPreschool Monthly Fee $270 1st of each monthPreschool Enrichment $30 per class 1st of each month

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9.3 Parents Morning Out FeesParents Morning Out Fees

Fee Description Amount Due DateParents Morning Out Registration (3&5 Day) $60 Upon registrationParents Morning Out – 3 Day Monthly Fee $180 1st of each monthParents Morning Out – 5 Day Monthly Fee $225 1st of each month

9.4 Additional Fees Additional Fees

Fee Description Amount Due DateLate Payment Fee $5; $5/per week ImmediatelyEarly Drop-Off Daily Fee $2/day 1st of each month (as billed)Late Pick Up Fee $10/incident 1st of each month (as billed)Summer Camp $100/week Upon registration

9.5 Payment Method Payment of all fees is made by check payable to St. Thomas Day School. Payment may be submitted in person or mailed to: St. Thomas Day School, 2100 Hilton Avenue, Columbus, GA 31906.

9.6 Late Payment Policy St. Thomas is a small non-profit institution and appreciates timely payment of tuition and fees. Monthly tuition payments are due the 1st of each month to be attended. If payment is not received by the 5th of the month a $5 late fee is assessed. If payment is not received immediately, a $5 late fee is assessed each week until payment in full is made. After 3 months of delinquent pay, the student may be denied attendance.

In the event of a check returned for insufficient funds, a $25 charge will be assessed.

10. WITHDRAWAL POLICY The withdrawal policy is intended to ensure St. Thomas Day School receives notice of a student’s withdrawal within a reasonable period of time. St. Thomas requires a minimum 30 day notice and submission of the Withdrawal Form. The notice is effective on the date the withdrawal form is received by the Director. The Withdrawal Form is available on the school website.

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11. SCHOOL OPERATION

11.1 Annual Calendar The annual calendar is attached as Appendix A and can be found on the school website. The Director and teachers routinely provide reminders to parents on important dates and deadlines.

11.2 Months of Operation St. Thomas Day School operates an academic year from August through May and generally follows the Muscogee County School District (MCSD). However, St. Thomas usually starts a week later and ends a week earlier than MSCD.

11.3 Hours of OperationActivity Days HoursDaily Operation Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 1:00 PMEarly Arrival Service Monday – Friday 8:30 AM to 9:00 AMEnrichment Monday – Friday 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

11.4 Holiday and Planning Schedule St. Thomas Day School follows Muscogee County School District’s holiday and planning calendar with one exception. St. Thomas Day School observes Good Friday and is not in session that day.

11.5 Severe Weather Closings In the event of severe weather, St. Thomas Day School usually follows MCSD closings. If St. Thomas makes a different determination than MCSD, parents will be contacted by the teacher/school via email. Please be sure to keep current email addresses on file.

11.6 Summer Camps St. Thomas Day School generally offers two preschool camp sessions during the summer period. Summer camps are open to children between the ages of two and six. We welcome all children to attend summer camps; children do not have to be St. Thomas Day School students to attend.

Summer camps are an exciting week of themed activities that provide educational activities in a fun, summer atmosphere. These camps are an excellent opportunity for all children! Newcomers can experience the magic of our school and meet our amazing staff and student body. Current students have the chance to maintain contact with friends and teachers during the summer, as well as revisiting those favorite rooms and toys! We hope you join us!

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12. COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES Parents are welcome anytime at the Preschool and Parent’s Morning Out. We strive to make families feel comfortable bringing any questions or concerns to us. We want to make your experience at St. Thomas a blessing.

12.1 Parent-Director Communication The Director communicates general school information to parents through email. Please keep current contact information on file to ensure you receive school communications.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Director with any questions or concerns you may have. St. Thomas Day School values open and frequent communication with parents.

12.2 Parent-Teacher Communication Preschool teachers provide a weekly recap of activities, themes, and focused studies completed during the week, as well as the next week’s upcoming events. These weekly recaps are sent via email and are also posted outside classrooms. Completed classwork, projects, art, and enrichment activities are sent home in St. Thomas Bags. Please be sure to check your child’s St. Thomas Bag for these treasures on a daily basis!

Parents Morning Out teachers provide a daily summary of the child’s activities, nourishment, wet diapers, and any personal supplies needed (milk, diapers, change of clothes, etc.) on a paper slip attached to the St. Thomas Bag. Our youngest students complete amazing projects as well so please check your St. Thomas bags daily!

All St. Thomas teachers warmly welcome and appreciate communication with parents. As appropriate, please keep teachers informed on family events impacting your child, such as loss of a family pet, deployments, company in town, upcoming vacations or planned absences. Feel free to communicate with your child’s teacher through email, written notes, or in person. If the issue warrants a confidential or lengthy discussion, please schedule a conference with a teacher rather than addressing the issue at arrival or dismissal times as the teachers are especially busy at these times and are responsible for the wellbeing and accountability of the entire class.

12.3 ConfidentialitySt. Thomas Day School employees are required to maintain strict confidentiality regarding all personal information about our children, to include not posting pictures of students on social media.

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13. CURRENT RECORDS

13.1 Current Contact InformationIt is imperative that parents keep current contact information on file with St. Thomas Day School, including address, phone numbers, emergency contacts, authorized pick up persons, email, schedules, special instructions, and so forth. It is the parent’s responsibility to update contact information as soon as a change occurs.

13.2 Current Custody InformationParents are required to notify St. Thomas Day School in writing of any changes in custody of a student. In order to prevent a parent from picking up a student, the school must receive a notarized copy of a court order to this effect.

14. ATTENDANCE POLICYSt. Thomas Day School must maintain attendance sheets that track days present and absent by students. Although the attendance policy is extremely loose, regular attendance provides the necessary consistency in routine and relationships for students to excel. Please inform the teacher and/or Director of any planned or extended absences.

15. ST. THOMAS DAY SCHOOL BAGSEach student will receive a canvas St. Thomas Day School bag with the school logo and their name at the beginning of the school year. Our bags are specifically chosen because they fit easily into narrow classroom cubbies and also have the capacity to hold large volumes of classwork, art, and other treasures students complete and bring home on a daily basis.

Preschool students remove their lunchbox from their bag and hang their bag on a hook each morning and complete the reverse each afternoon. This task is a routine part of the day. With no zippers and a wide opening, St. Thomas Day School bags make this task easy, building confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Although we know children enjoy picking out a personal school bag, please use the St. Thomas Day School bags.

16. CLOTHING AND SHOESSt. Thomas Day School uses washable markers, washable paints, smocks, and is conscious of the investment you make in your child’s clothing. We use our best efforts to keep clothing clean, but we cannot guarantee your child’s clothing will not get dirty. Please send your child in weather appropriate, comfortable play clothes bearing in mind your child will be completing art projects, playing outside, and eating in the outfit. Students should wear comfortable shoes with a back or strap for a secure fit. Please do not send your child in flip flops.

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Each child must maintain a complete change of clothes in the classroom throughout the school year, including socks, underwear, shirt, pants, and preferably shoes. Please provide these items in a ziplock type bag labeled with your child’s name.

Parents of Parents Morning Out and Two Year Old Program students are required to provide diapers/pull-ups and wipes for their children. Children who are potty training must wear pull-ups or diapers until they can consistently verbally or physically communicate the need to use the restroom. Students in the Three and Four Year Old Program must be completely potty trained by the start of the school year.

17. PARENTS MORNING OUT CURRICULUM OVERVIEWThe Parents Morning Out Program provides a loving environment where children are exposed to a school environment and basic concepts in an engaging, supportive setting appropriate for their age.

Social and Interpersonal Skills - Playing cooperatively, sharing, turn-taking, self-control, following classroom rules

Classroom Preparation - Listening to instructions, following daily routines, participating in learning activities

Curriculum Readiness – Introduction to name, letter, shape, number and color recognition.

Fine Arts - Singing, simple art projects coordinated with monthly themes and weekly letters

18. PRESCHOOL CURRICULUM OVERVIEWPreschool is more than playtime. St. Thomas Day School recognizes this is a critical time in which strong educational foundations are built. Since preschool age children are impressionable, it is important that they have positive experiences and develop confidence in their ability to learn. Through creative teaching and hands-on activities, St. Thomas Day School instills a passion for learning in its Preschool students as they discover the wonders of the world around them.

The Preschool Program is designed to offer students rich, varied experiences while building classroom proficiency and social skills. Our interdisciplinary curriculum provides a powerful and balanced educational experience, including focused teaching in reading readiness, math, social studies, science, and fine arts.

Preschool students are lovingly supported as they develop responsibility for age-appropriate tasks, promoting a sense of accomplishment and high self-esteem. Daily routines encourage students to grow socially and exhibit respect for self, others, and materials. We maintain small

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classrooms so that our teachers are not strained and students are encouraged to actively participate.

18.1 Two Year Old Program Overview Social and Interpersonal Skills: Listening, cooperating with peers, sharing, turn-taking,

self-control, following classroom rules, playing cooperatively

Fine Motor Skills: Painting, stacking, tracing, cutting, puzzles, manipulatives Classroom Skills: Following instructions, participating in activities, potty training,

hanging bags, cleaning up, walking in line, sitting on the rug Reading Readiness: letter identification, story time, interest in and respect for books,

imagination, increased attention span, story recall and retelling, introduction to phonics Math Readiness: Shape identification, number identification, number sequencing,

counting items, simple patterns, matching Social Studies: Awareness of family, classroom, and community Science Skills: Weather, seasons, animals, lifecycles Fine Arts: Music class, participation in holiday programs, exposure to variety of art

materials and mediums, color identification

18.2 Three Year Old Program Overview Social and Interpersonal Skills: Exhibiting respect for self, others, and materials,

listening comprehension, following classroom rules, cooperating with peers in play and during work, verbal conflict resolution, self-control

Fine Motor Skills: Proficiency in tracing letters, shapes and name, cutting, gluing, puzzles, and manipulatives

Classroom Skills: Following instructions, sitting during circle time, participating in activities, hanging bags, cleaning up lunch and activities, walking in line

Reading Readiness: letter identification, letter-phonic correspondence, syllable counting, story time, interest in and respect for books, imagination, increased attention span, story recall and retelling

Math Skills: Shape identification, position identification, number identification, number sequencing, counting items, simple patterns, matching, graphing

Social Studies: Simple history lessons (examples: Christopher Columbus, pilgrims, ?), simple lessons on national structure and presidents, exposure to cultures through books demonstrating different countries, people, and lifestyes

Science Skills: Weather, seasons, animals, lifecycles, weight, measurements, balance Fine Arts: Music class, participation in holiday programs, creative expression, hands-on

use of variety of art materials and mediums, color identification

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18.3 Four Year Old Program Overview Social and Interpersonal Skills: Effective communication with others, assisting others,

cooperation, verbal conflict resolution, exhibiting respect for self, others, and materials, listening comprehension, following classroom rules, cooperating with peers in play and during work, self-control

Classroom Proficiency: Motivation to learn, listening, following instruction, participation in activities, focus on task, independence in task completion

Reading Skills: Listening comprehension, oral language skills, expanding vocabulary, letter identification, letter phonic sounds, sight words, simple sentence structure, writing words, consonant/vowel/consonant words, syllable recognition and counting, simple sentence structure, phonemic awareness

Math Skills: Writing numbers, simple addition and subtraction, ten squares, one-to-one correspondence, graphing, understand relationship between a numeral and set of objects, matching, memory, sorting, number sequencing, understand comparative terms such as big/little, more/less, etc. Recognize and name geometric shapes, comprehend practical daily uses of numbers (calendars, clocks, money), use of logic

Social Studies: study of traditions around the world, Simple history lessons (examples: Christopher Columbus, pilgrims, hieroglyphs, ?), simple lessons on national structure and presidents, exposure to cultures through books demonstrating different countries, people, and lifestyes, personal safety and emergency resources

Science Skills: Introduction to hypothesis, simple science experiments, comparison and classification, ordering, classifying, patterning, length, size, weight and capacity, set recognition and comparison, seasons, life cycles, animal traits, spatial relations, different ecosystems, awareness of environment and interconnection between living things

Fine Arts: Music class, participation in holiday programs, creative expression, hands-on use of variety of art materials and mediums

18.4 Chapel St. Thomas Day School is blessed to offer weekly chapel classes for Preschool students each Wednesday. During chapel, students learn Bible stories, verses, songs of worship, and prayers. Chapel begins after Labor Day.

18.5 Music St. Thomas Day School is grateful to have a vibrant bi-weekly music program for Preschool students held every Tuesday and Thursday taught by Mrs. Debbie Anderson. Students learn a wide variety of fun songs, play instruments, and explore concepts of rhythm, sound, and movement. Our music classes build up to several programs throughout the year. Music classes begin after Labor Day.

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18.6 RecessIn addition to being just plain fun, time outside on the playground develops gross motor skills, increases social development and communication skills, provides opportunities for dramatic play, and is mentally and physically beneficial for children.

Weather permitting, students will engage in outdoor activities on a daily basis. St. Thomas Day School is grateful for a recent donation of new playground equipment that has enhanced the playground area. If weather is questionable, the Director makes a school-wide determination.

18.7 Enrichment St. Thomas Day School offers a wide variety of wonderful enrichment classes for Preschool students. Enrichment classes are focused classes offered once a week and occur immediately after the normal school day from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. There is usually at least one enrichment class offering each day. Sign-up sheets are available at the beginning of each semester. Class offerings vary from Fall to Spring. The cost is $30 per month/class. Fall enrichment classes begin the day after Labor Day and Spring classes begin the Monday following return from Winter Break.

Examples of past enrichment classes include zoology, baking, physical education, art, architecture and engineering, cheerleading, dance, music and movement, team sports, and Spanish.

19. PARTIES AND CELEBRATIONSThere is a lot to celebrate at St. Thomas Day School! Parties and celebrations are held periodically throughout the year. Teachers provide a sign-up sheet at the beginning of the year for planned celebrations. Please offer to assist if you are able! Families will be informed of special events and provided a list of requested items for those who wish to contribute.

Birthday celebrations are welcome and very much enjoyed by all. Please make arrangements with your child’s teacher in advance so the teacher can plan accordingly. Families may send birthday treats for the class which will be served by the teacher at snack time. Please check with your child’s teacher for any specific allergy concerns in the classroom.

We are all friends at St. Thomas Day School! Invitations to parties away from St. Thomas may not be distributed at school unless each child in the class is invited.

20. SNACKEach day, St. Thomas Day School serves a light snack and juice for students. As St. Thomas is a small institution, it relies heavily on parents to donate healthy snacks to the school. A list of requested items is issued at the beginning of the school year. However, please consider

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donating additional snack items throughout the year. Examples of snacks include pretzels, veggie chips, popcorn, cheese balls, vanilla wafers, goldfish, etc. Please do not provide snacks containing nuts.

21. LUNCHParents must send a lunch with their children on a daily basis. St. Thomas Day School encourages parents to send a healthy, balanced meal with children each day, including milk to drink. Teachers and staff are always happy to warm lunch items in the microwave for students. If there is a severe allergy in the classroom, the school may need to restrict use and consumption of certain foods in the classroom.

22. INFANT REQUIREMENTS St. Thomas Day School serves a light snack and juice for Parents Morning Out students. Parents provide all other food and milk requirements, including lunch. Please furnish milk in plastic bottles labeled with your child’s name. Parents are responsible for providing all diapers and wipes for their child. Diapers may be disposable or cloth. Teachers will inform parents when their child’s diapering items need to be resupplied.

23. POTTY TRAININGOur Two Year Old Program teachers will gladly help you and your child conquer potty-training. While students are potty-training they must wear pull-ups or diapers until they can consistently verbally or physically communicate the need to use the restroom. Parents are required to supply wipes and pull-ups or diapers for their child.

If a student is consistently (2 or more times) having accidents, the parents will be asked to return the student to diapers/pull-ups for sanitation purposes. However, students will be given ample opportunities to visit the restroom to further potty training skills.

All Three and Four Year Old Program students must be completely potty trained by the start of the school year.

24. ALLERGIES AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTSSt. Thomas Day School welcomes all children. Parents are responsible for providing written notification to the school of any known allergies, physical problems, mental health disorders, developmental disabilities, and/or other conditions that may limit or require accommodation for the child’s participation in school programs or activities. Parents are responsible for providing a written description of any special procedure to be followed in caring for the child. If St. Thomas is able to provide additional and/or special services, those services will be detailed in writing and provided to the family.

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25. ARRIVAL AND PICK UP

25.1 Early Arrival ServiceSt. Thomas Day School offers an early arrival service for both Preschool and Parents Morning Out students. Early arrival begins at 8:30 AM. Parents are welcome to take advantage of early arrival anytime between 8:30 and 9:00 AM. Students are escorted to their regular classroom by staff at 9:00 AM. Students are not permitted in the regular classroom prior to 8:55 AM as teachers are preparing for the day.

The fee for early arrival is $2 per day. Early arrival fees are billed to the following month’s tuition. Early arrival fees for the final month of school are due on the last day of school.

25.2 Carpool Service Students in the Two, Three, and Four Year Old Programs are eligible to participate in the morning and afternoon carpool service. Carpool name tags are distributed at the beginning of the each school year. Please display the tag prominently in the passenger side of your front windshield during carpool to enable the staff to execute an efficient service.

There is no carpool service on the first day of school. Please plan to walk your child in and out of school on the first and last day.

Morning car pool unloading begins at 8:55 AM. Please wait until a staff member is at your vehicle before letting your child unload. Morning car pool service ends at 9:10 AM. Arrivals past 9:10 AM must be walked in. Please try to arrive timely as late arrivals are disruptive.

Afternoon car pool begins at 12:50 PM and ends at 1:10 PM. Staff members are not permitted to buckle children into carseats/buckle seat belts. After your child is loaded, please pull forward into the parking lot and buckle them into their seats.

25.3 Walk-In All Parents Morning Out students are walked in and out of school.

Preschool parents may choose to walk children in and out of school. Students are not permitted in the regular classroom prior to 9:00 AM as teachers are preparing for the day.

Parents who walk in should enter using the side/carpool entrance to allow the front doors to remain closed for child safety. During afternoon pick up, teachers are extremely busy and must focus on ensuring students are picked up by authorized persons, escorted to carpool, and chaperoned to enrichment activities. Please do not engage in a conference with teachers at this time of day as they must maintain their attention on the students.

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25.4 Authorized Persons Pick UpSt. Thomas Day School will not permit any child to enter or exit the school without being escorted by an authorized person. Parents must inform the teacher or Director in writing, in person or via phone call to acknowledge a new authorized person. St. Thomas will not permit a student to leave with a person other than those designated in writing by the parent. If we do not recognize the individual picking up a student, staff may ask for identification.

25.5 Tardy Pick Up PolicyThe regular school day ends at 1:00 PM. Enrichment classes end at 2:00 PM. Please be courteous and ensure that students are picked up promptly. If a student is not picked up by 1:10 PM, the parent will receive a reminder. After the first reminder, subsequent incidents will result in a $10 fee per incident. It is especially important to pick up students promptly from enrichment classes. After the first reminder for an enrichment class, subsequent incidents will result in a $15 fee per incident.

26. DISCIPLINE POLICYSt. Thomas Day School does not utilize any form of corporal punishment on students. Teachers model and encourage Christian behavior in actions and attitudes. Students learn to be considerate of peers and respectful to adults through simple acts of sharing, taking turns, assisting classmates, following instructions and using good manners. Our discipline approach involves verbal warnings, time-outs, teaching moments and trips to the Director’s office. Students are guided toward positive behavior with praise, acknowledgements, and love.

St. Thomas is committed to maintaining open dialogue with parents, including on the subject of discipline and behavior issues. The Director has the right to suspend or dismiss a student from St. Thomas Day School if the student’s inappropriate behavior continues and disrupts the learning of others.

27. BITING AND PHYSICAL HARMSchool must be a safe environment for all students, teachers, and staff. Certain behaviors, such as hitting, biting, or kicking staff members or other students, will not be tolerated.

Biting and causing physical harm are unacceptable behaviors and present an undue risk of harm to staff and students. If a student exhibits this type of behavior, the parent may be required to pick the student up early from school. If a student continues this type of behavior, or continues to attempt this type of behavior, the student may be dismissed from St. Thomas Day School after three incidents. The safety and well-being of all students and staff are paramount. Accordingly, students are not entitled to three opportunities in every circumstance. The Director has the right to immediately suspend or dismiss a student from St. Thomas Day School

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at any time if, in the sole discretion of the Director, the student’s behavior endangers other children or staff.

28. ILLNESSPlease be considerate of other students and teaching staff by keeping your child out of school when contagious. If your child is diagnosed with a contagious condition or disease, you are required to notify the Director as soon as possible. This policy is not intended to single-out or ostracize a student. Illness spreads quickly among student populations and quick action can make the difference in preventing an outbreak.

Parents will be notified of exposure to communicable disease. The affected child’s name will not be disclosed. Following diagnosis of a communicable disease, the Director reserves the right to require a physician’s written release prior to the child’s return.

Fever. Children will not be permitted to enter or remain at school if they have a temperature of 100 degrees or higher. Please do not return your child to school until they have been fever free for 24 hours after discontinuing fever reducing medicine. This means if a child has a fever at 4:00 PM, the child is not ready to return to school the following day regardless of the child’s temperature the next morning.

Vomiting and Diarrhea. If a student vomits while at school, the parent will be contacted to pick up the student immediately. The child should not return to school until they have been free of vomiting for 24 hours. If a child has diarrhea and a fever, the parent will be contacted to pick up the student immediately. If the child has diarrhea but no fever, the child may be permitted to stay at school unless a second incident of diarrhea occurs. In that case, the parent will be contacted to pick up the student.

Antibiotics. Students being treated with antibiotics should be on the medication for at least 24 hours and not exhibit symptoms before returning to school.

Head Lice. Head lice is extremely contagious. If it is determined that a student has head lice, the parent will be notified to pick up the child immediately. Before returning to school, the child must be free of all lice and eggs. Proof of treatment is required prior to return (i.e. receipt of purchase/empty treatment container).

Pink Eye. Pink eye spreads among classmates very easily. If a student appears to have pink eye, the parent will be contacted to pick up the child immediately. Treatment with prescription eye drops for a minimum of 24 hours is required prior to return.

Communicable Diseases. Examples of communicable diseases include but are not limited to strep throat, active chicken pox, mumps, influenza (flu), measles, infantigo, and hand, foot, and mouth disease. If a student appears to have a communicable disease, the parent will be contacted to pick up the child immediately. If the student is diagnosed with a communicable disease, the parent is required to notify the Director as

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soon as possible. The Director may require a physician’s release before returning to after diagnosis of a communicable disease.

Skin Conditions. If a student appears to have ringworm, impetigo, pin worms, rash (other than diaper rash), or skin lesions, the parent may be contacted to pick up the child immediately. The child will not be allowed to return to school until the condition is completed cleared up. If a student has a non-contagious rash or lesion, the student may return with adequate dressing on the affected area and a physician’s note confirming the condition is not contagious.

29. MEDICATIONSSt. Thomas Day School does not administer any medication to children. This includes fever reducing medication. Any necessary medications must be administered at home before or after school.

30. CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT By law, the St. Thomas Day School Director, teachers, and staff are mandated reporters to the Department of Family and Children’s Services of any suspicious injuries or behaviors associated with any child attending the school.

31. EMERGENCY AND NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES

31.1 Emergency NotificationSt. Thomas Day School will notify a parent immediately if a child has suffered an injury or illness requiring professional medical attention. If a parent cannot be reached, the emergency contact person on file will be notified. Please keep current contact information on file with the school.

In case of an emergency, 911 will be contacted and/or children will be transported to St. Francis Hospital on Manchester Expressway unless otherwise noted or requested by a parent. If the school is unable to contact a parent, the school will take the necessary steps to ensure the child’s safety.

31.2 Non-Emergency NotificationSt. Thomas Day School will notify parents of a non-emergency illness or injury. Depending on the severity of the condition, parents may or may not be immediately notified. For example, if a child suffers a minor scrape on the playground, the parent will be notified upon pick up.

31.3 Emergency Information Detailed emergency procedures are posted in the facility at all times. If it is necessary to evacuate the building, the designated area will be the Parish Hall, if not available due to damage, the Church Sanctuary.

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31.4 InsuranceSt. Thomas Day School maintains mandatory accidental insurance coverage for all students and adults participating in the school during times of operation.

32. FUNDRAISING, DONATIONS, AND VOLUNTEERSSt. Thomas Day School is a small, non-profit institution that operates on a tight budget. The school holds limited fundraising efforts throughout the year. Please consider supporting these efforts. Donations of snacks, school supplies, and equipment are always welcome and very much appreciated.

Monetary donations to St. Thomas Day School contribute significantly to the operating budget and allow the institution to offer exceptional education at an affordable cost. St. Thomas Day School is a 501(c)(3) and monetary donations to it are tax deductible. Donations of all amounts make an important impact at the school and are truly a blessing. Please do not hesitate to discuss donations in any amount with the Director and/or request a copy of 501(c)(3) designation.

Donations of time and talent are vital to St. Thomas. Please consider volunteering to assist on special occasions such as holiday programs, carnivals, and celebration days. If you have a special talent, please discuss with the Director how you might share your gift with the school.

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