
Saratoga Central Catholic High School
Established 1862
Handbook and Policies
Saratoga Central Catholic High School
[Revised January 2010]
Mission Statement
Saratoga Central Catholic, continuing in the tradition of St. Peter’s Academy, is a Catholic, co-educational, diocesan school located in Saratoga Springs, New York, serving students in grades 6 through 12.
A college preparatory institution, we are committed to preparing students of diverse backgrounds within a safe and disciplined environment, not only for college but for life long learning. We strive to provide the highest quality education while encouraging students to serve and respect others, think critically and be compassionate, responsible and confident citizens capable of adapting in an interdependent world.
Our well qualified and caring faculty and staff are dedicated to a strong academic curriculum which has at its center the modeling of Christian values and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Goal Statements
- Students will strive to live the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
- Students will recognize and respect the rights of others.
- Students will participate in formal liturgies and prayer services.
- Students will strive to recognize the gifts that God has endowed them with and use those gifts to serve others.
- Students will strive to master academic skills.
- Students will achieve self discipline through academics, athletics, and extra-curricular activities.
- Students will develop self-awareness through socialization.
- Students will strive to think creatively and analytically.
Graduation Requirements
- Minimum 24.5 credits
- 2 credits in Theology including 10 hours of Community service in grades 6-8; 20 hours of Community service in grades 9-12; pleas each grade has a grade wide service project that mst be participated in and seniors have an individual service project.
- 4 credits in English
- Regents Examination in Comprehensive English with a passing grade
- 4 credits in Social Studies
- Regents Examination in Global History and Geography and Regents Examination in United States History and Government with a passing grade in both examinations
- 4 credits in Mathematics
- Regents Examination in Integrated Algebra, Regents Examination in Geometry and the Regents Examination in Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry with a passing grade in all three examinations
- 4 credits in Science
- Regents Examination in Living Environment, and either the Regents Examination in Earth Science, or the Regents Examination in Chemistry, or the Regents Examination in Physics. A passing grade in the Living Environment and a passing grade in one of the other three Science Regents Examinations
- 3 credits in Language Other Than English
- Regents Examination in Comprehensive Language Other Than English with a passing grade
- 2 credits in Physical Education
- 1 credit in Art or Music
- ½ credit in Health
Academic Honors
The Honor Roll has the following requirements:
- The student has achieved an average of 95% or greater with no grade lower than a 65%
- The student has achieved an average of 90% or greater with no grade lower than an 65%
- The student has achieved an average of 85% or greater with no grade lower than a 65%
Highest Honors
High Honors
Honors
Accelerated students must attend Saratoga Central Catholic High School for a minimum of three years. Students entering Saratoga Central Catholic High School after tenth grade are not eligible to receive Valedictorian or Salutatorian honors but will share class rank on official transcript for college admissions purposes.
Selection for the National Honor Society and the National Junior Honor Society will be in accordance with the rules and regulations of the National Honor Society Handbook.
Academic Failures
Students who fail a course must repeat the course in an approved summer school program at their home district. A special provision has been made for students unable to attend an approved summer school program if the failed course is not offered, or on rare occasions, when attendance can not occur due to situations beyond a student’s control. Family vacations, work commitments, lack of transportation, etc… do not constitute sufficient reasons to miss summer school. Students failing no more than one course and unable to repeat the course in summer school may be permitted, with prior approval of the principal, to repeat the course during the first semester of the following school year. In such cases a grade will be calculated as follows:
1st quarter grade will equal 40% of final grade, 2nd quarter grade will equal 40% of final grade, mid- term exam will equal 20% of final grade.
Academic Intervention
Academic excellence is our goual for all students accepted into Saratoga Central Catholic. Some students may need remediation so that they can reach their full potential. Students receiving a course average below 75% at the mid-quarter and quarter marking periods will be required to develop an "Academic Intervention Plan" with their teacher in cooperation with their parent or guardian. THe plan will be updated weekly at an "Academic Intervention Plan Meeting" that shall be attended by the student, teacher, and the parent or guardian . The plan will stay in effect for no less than one half of one quarter but may be extended for the reminderof the school year. Weekly meeting attendance is required throughout the duration of the plan. Once the plan is developed it may not be terminated without the recommendation of the teacher and parent or guardian, and the written consent of the principal.
Academic Probation
All student academic and disciplinary records are reviewed at the end of each school year to determine the student’s status at Saratoga Central Catholic. Students that are not progressing academically or demonstrating appropriate behavior, as determined by the administration, may not be reenrolled for the following school year. Students readmitted will be placed on Academic Probation.
Academic Schedules
Student schedules may be changed (add/drop) prior to the close of business of the first five week marking period with approval from parent and administration.
Academic Texts
With the exception of the ology and supplemental texts, which will be purchased by the student, all texts will be provided by a student’s school district.
The texts are the property of the district and must be returned at the end of the school year in reasonable condition in order to avoid paying for a replacement.
Academic Work
Homework is generally assigned daily and posted on the school’s website. Students are expected to be prepared for all classes. Make up work is usually completed the first day that a student returns from an absence. Failure to make up missed work in accordance with teacher course requirements may result in a failing grade for missed assignments.
Athletic Policy
Philosophy of Interscholastic Athletics
Interscholastic athletics at Saratoga Central Catholic have a proud tradition, demonstrating that although we may be small in number, we are large in heart. We embrace our size that represents opportunity for those who participate in our athletic programs. The value-building experience of athletics should be offered to as many students as the individual programs can reasonably accommodate. The primary purpose of our athletic program is intended to be an extension of the physical education program and a broadening experience to nurture a sound mind and sound body. A well-respected and administered program is an important part of student life, school pride, alumni support and our place in the community.
Everyone involved in the delivery of athletics possesses a unique opportunity to teach positive life skills and values that will last a lifetime. The school recognizes this opportunity and the concomitant need for highly qualified and dedicated coaches. Qualities fundamental to the students’ character, including loyalty, desire, dedication, self-control, initiative, enthusiasm, ambition, resourcefulness, reliability, integrity and self-discipline are developed through the commitment and personal sacrifice required by athletes. Making such a commitment also helps to nurture integrity, pride, and loyalty. The end result of a successful program, and its greatest legacy, is found in a better citizenry and leaders of tomorrow who carrying these values throughout their life.
It is the nature of athletic competition to strive for victory. However, the number of victories is only one criterion when determining a season’s success. Guiding the team to attain maximum potential is the ultimate goal. In the final analysis, the coaching staff must teach student-athletes to prepare their minds and bodies in order to reach maximum potential. At the conclusion of a contest, we are determined to demonstrate grace in victory or respect in defeat.
Varsity Program Philosophy
Varsity competition is the pinnacle for each of the school’s interscholastic athletics programs. Generally, seniors and juniors make up the majority of the roster. In keeping with school policy, and at the varsity coach’s discretion, sophomores and freshmen may be included on the team providing that evidence of advanced levels of physical development; athletic skill and appropriate socio-emotional development are demonstrated. It is possible but very rare for a middle school level student to be included on a varsity roster. The New York State Department of Education process for moving a 7th or 8th grade student up to a high school team is called Selective Classification. This process has been developed to identify “exceptional athletes” and provide qualified athletes with an opportunity to play at a level commensurate with their ability. The standard has been established as at least a starter on the junior varsity level or above. The individual must clearly be an impact player on the team while supporting other team members to play at a higher level reaching their full potential.
Squad size at the varsity level may be limited. The number of participants on any given team is a function of those needed to conduct an effective and meaningful practice and to play the contest. It is vital that each team member has a role and is informed of, as well as understands its importance. The number of roster positions is relative to the student’s acceptance of their individual roles in pursuit of the team’s goals. While contest participation over the course of a season is desirable, a specified amount of playing time at the varsity level is never guaranteed.
A sound attitude and advance level of skill are prerequisites for a position on a varsity team, as is the realization of the level of commitment required for participation in a varsity sport. This commitment is often extended into vacation periods for all sport seasons. Depending on the sport, contests, and practices are scheduled during vacation, on Sunday, and in some cases on holidays. All student-athletes must take the dedication and commitment needed to conduct a successful varsity program seriously, and coaches’ efforts need to be supported by parents.
The varsity coach is the leader of that athletic program and determines the system of instruction and strategy for that program. The communication among the modified, junior varsity and varsity programs is the responsibility of the varsity coach. Preparing to win, striving for victory in each contest and working to reach their maximum potential, individually and as a team are worthy goals of a varsity level team.
Junior Varsity Program Philosophy
The junior varsity level is designed for those who display the desire and potential of continued development into productive varsity level performers. Although team membership varies according to the structure of each program, 9th and 10th grade students occupy the majority of roster positions. In certain situations, 11th graders are included on a junior varsity roster. Middle school students may participate at this level pursuant to school guidelines. The New York State Department of Education process for moving a 7th or 8th grade student up to a high school team is called Selective Classification. This process has been developed to identify “exceptional athletes” and provide qualified athletes with an opportunity to play at a level commensurate with their ability.
At this level, athletes are expected to have visibly committed themselves to the program, team and continued self-development. To this end, increased emphasis is placed on physical conditioning, refinement of fundamental skills, elements and strategies of team play, in addition to socio-emotional development. Junior varsity programs work towards achieving a balance between continued team and player development and striving for victory.
The realization that practice sessions are important is a premise that is vital to a successful junior varsity team and player. For all team members, meaningful contest participation is a goal over the course of a season; however, a specified amount of playing time is never guaranteed. Participants at this level are preparing themselves for the significant commitment that is expected at the varsity level. While contests and practices are rarely held on holidays and Sundays, practice sessions are sometimes scheduled during school vacation and commitment is expected at the junior varsity level.
Modified Level Program Philosophy
This program is available to students in the 7th and 8th grades. Sport activities offered are determined by the existence of leagues, student interest, and the relationship to the high school program. At this level, the focus is on learning athletic skills and game rules, fundamentals of team play, socio-emotional growth, physiologically appropriate demands on the adolescent body, and healthy competition.
At this level, it is our goal to provide a well-planned and well-balanced program of interscholastic athletics for as many students as possible.
Ultimately, the number of teams and size of the squad in any sport will be determined by student interest and the availability of 1) financial resources, 2) qualified coaches, 3) suitable indoor or outdoor facilities, and 4) a safe environment.
In order for the desired development of the adolescent athlete and team to occur, practice sessions are vital. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association publishes regulations by which practice sessions are governed. Vacation/recess practices are not regularly scheduled at the middle school. However, on rare occasions practices are scheduled to insure that students are adequately prepared to participate. Opportunities for meaningful contest participation within the game format (for most sports: 5-period contest format), may exist over the course of a season for student-athletes that meet their school and team responsibilities). Coaches will determine playing time based on a variety of circumstances (abilities, opponents, game situations, practice performances, etc.).
It is possible, but very rare for a middle school level student to be included on a junior varsity or varsity roster. Criteria that must be met in order to play at an advanced level include parental approval, medical approval, appropriate developmental rating, passing athletic performance test scores, the coach’s skill evaluation, and advanced degree of socio-emotional maturity as outlined by the State Education Department Selective Classification Policy and the Saratoga Central Catholic Selective Classification Policy, and approval by the school’s Athletic Selective Classification Committee.
Selective Classification Policy
Moving a middle school student up to participate in junior varsity or varsity level competition relates to a very select number of middle school students. An individual student-athlete must possess exceptional athletic ability and have the ability to be an impact player, as determined by the school administration (the school principal and the athletic director) in consultation with the coaching staff.
Process for Review for Selective Classification
Step 1: The parents of a student-athletic seeking to move up to advanced program levels must submit a request in writing to the school principal prior to the deadline for the season. Deadlines are as follows:
- August 1st-Fall Season
- October 1st-Winter Season
- February 1st-Spring Season
Step 3: The School Principal and Director of Physical Education and Athletics (in coordination with the appropriate members of the coaching staff) will be responsible for conducting a preliminary “readiness” evaluation.
Step 4: If the student-athlete satisfies Step 3, and moving the student-athlete up is deemed appropriate and in the best interests of the school athletics programs, all relevant information regarding the student-athlete shall be presented to the Athletic Selective Classification Committee for the purpose of determining the middle school student’s appropriateness for moving up. The Athletic Selective Classification Committee shall consist of the following:
- School Principal (Chair)
- Athletic Director
- A middle school teacher who is not a member of the school coaching staff, who shall serve a one year term beginning July 15th and shall be nominated by the principal and approved by the board.
The information before the committee shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
- Signed parent permission slip
- Completed athletic profile
- Medical evaluation (physical maturity) by school doctor
- Successful completion of physical performance tests
- Evaluation by physical education teacher
- Coach’s skill evaluation
- Student must be in good academic standing – The student is working up to his/her academic ability and potential as verified by teachers and guidance counselors
- Demonstrate satisfactory school citizenship – The student follows the school rules and displays a positive attitude toward students and staff
Questions concerning the moving up policy should be addressed to the school principal.
Attendance
Parents must report student absences to the office as soon as feasible in the morning. Students must be in school for the entire school day in order to be eligible to play in an athletic competition, practice, or extra-curricular activity scheduled for that day. Students arriving after 8:20 a.m. are tardy and must sign in to the office. Late bus arrival does not constitute a student being tardy. However, students that drive to school will be marked tardy. Parents must sign a student out of school and provide the office with a note when the student is dismissed early.
If a student is legally absent from school, New York State law requires that a note must be written by parent and given to the office upon a students return to school. A legal absence occurs when a student is sick, sickness in the immediate family, death in the family, impassable roads, and pre-approved career or college visits. All absences are recorded on a student’s permanent record.
Once a student is dropped off or enters school property the student must report to the appropriate location in the school. Students leaving school grounds during regular school hours without permission are considered truant and will be dealt with accordingly. (See Homeroom section for further information)
Board of Trustees
Saratoga Central Catholic is a Diocesan 6th- 12th grade college preparatory school governed locally by a Board of Limited Jurisdiction. The Board meets monthly September through June. Parents, students, and community members are welcome to address the full board during an Open Forum from 6:00 – 6:30 pm at each meeting. See the school’s website for meeting dates.
Building Security
To maintain security, all school doors are kept locked at all times. In order to enter the school, please use the front entrance (there is a bell to the left), and report to the main office to register.
Cafeteria
The monthly menu can be found on the school website at the beginning of each month menu. Students must stay on campus for lunch.
Class Supplies
Students will be given a list of supplies required for each course with their schedule, or on the first day of class. The student supply list, by grade, will also be posted on the school’s web site http://www.saratogacatholic.org . Middle school students are required to have a planner, and will be given one when they visit the school in August or on the first day of class.
Class Trips
Class trips happen throughout the year and are paid for by each student. Students will receive permission slips at least a week before the trip and need to return it with payment for the trip by the required date. If the permission slip is lost, a generic slip can be found on the school website under ‘forms’.
Classroom Management Policy
Here at Saratoga Central Catholic providing your child with an exceptional Catholic Education is important to the entire school community. When a student disrupts the classroom and creates a negative and unproductive learning environment, proactive measures are required.
Incidents of disruption include but are not limited to are:
- Calling out
- Name calling
- Inappropriate answers to questions
- Throwing any material or item in the classroom
- Facial gestures to gain attention
- Getting out of their seat
- Passing notes
- Inappropriate hand gestures
- Fidgeting in seat to cause a distraction
- Poling or touching others,physical contact with someone to purposely annoy another
- Being argumentative with the teracher in front of the class
- Inapprop[riate noises such as tappling, whistling etc.
- Food and drinksin the classroom
- Swearing
When these behaviors occur in the school setting including after school activities, the following policy wiil be enacted.
First reported incident:
- 1. Student will be asked to leave the classroom and report to the office for the remainder of the class period and the incident will be discussed with an available administrator.
- 2. Teacher will write a short detailed description of the incident and send to the office no later than the next period.
- 3. Students will serve a lunch detention and an after school detention the following day.
- 4. Any student that is serving an after school detention or lunch detention will not be eligible to participate in any after school activity.
- 5. Parents will be notified by the school that their child was disruptive in the classroom and serving both a lunch detention and an after school detention.
- 6. A letter will be sent home to parents about how the student's actions were disruptive and outlining classroom management policy and the consequences of the behavior.
- 7. All decisions are reviewed by administration.
Second reported incident:
- 1.Student will be asked to leave the classroom and report to the office for the remainder of the class period and the incident will be discussed with an available administrator.
- 2. Teacher will write a short detailed description of the indicent and send to the office no latter than the next period
- 3. Student will serve a two day after school detention starting the next day.
- 4. Any student that is serving an after school detention or lunch detention will not be eligible to participate in any after school activity.
- 5. Parents will be notified by the school that their child was disruptive in the classroom for the second time and is now serving an after school detention.
- 6. A letter will be sent home to parents about how their actions were disruptive and outlining classroom management policy and the consequences of the behavior.
- 7. All decisions are review by administration
Third reported incident:
- 1. Student will be asked to leave the classroom and report to the office for the remainder of the class period and the incident will be discussed with an available administrator.
- 2. Teacher will write a short detailed description of the incident and send to the office no later than the next period.
- 3. Student will serve a one day school suspension that will be marked on permananent record.
- 4. Any student that is serving a school suspension will not be eligible to participate in any after school activity.
- 5. Parents will be notified by the school that their child was disruptive in the classroom for the third time and is now serving an out of school suspension.
- 6. Parents and child will meet with administration about the continualdisruptive behavior and the consequences of their behavior.
- 7. All decisions are reviewed by administration.
Fourth reported incident:
- 1. Student will be asked to leave the classroom and report to the office for the remainder of the class period and the incident will be discussed with an administrator.
- 2. Teacher will write a short detailed description of the indicent and send to the office no later than the next period.
- 3. Parents will be notified to come and pick their child up.
- 4. Student will be asked to leave Saratoga Central Catholic as an educational learning environment.
- 5. All decisions are reviewed by administration.
Code of Conduct
The Saratoga Central Catholic Code of Conduct is rooted in the philosophy that a Catholic School is a school built on the foundation of the love and justice of Jesus Christ. To that end, students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own behavior, to seek forgiveness, and to make amends for their indiscretions. The school discipline program is aimed at preventing unacceptable behavior by helping students continually strive to develop self control, self discipline, and self confidence. Students will strive to discover the gifts God has given them. Students will strive to develop those gifts and become all that they are capable of being. The Summary Chart below is for reference purposes only and is not inclusive of all disciplinary situations that may arise. Administration reserves the right to interpret the Code of Conduct to serve the best interests of the students and greater school community.
Summary of Possible Consequences
- 1. Warning
- 2. Detention
- (A) Teacher
- (B) Administration (single or double)
- 3. Withholding of privileges and activities, including removal from class for the day.
- 4. Parent notification by administration via phone or letter
- 5. Disciplinary ineligibility from co-curricular or extra-curricular activities
- (A) 1 week (7 calendar days)
- (B) 2 weeks
- (C) 5 weeks
- 6. Parent conference
- 7. In- school suspension
- 8. Out-of-school suspension
- 9. Financial restitution
- 10. Notification of legal authorities
- 11. Family Court
- 12. Counseling and/or follow up
- 13. Confiscation
- 14. Disciplinary Probation
- 15. Expulsion
Computer Use Policy
In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, all students and parents must sign the Diocesan Internet Safety / Computer Use Policy form annually. The form can be downloaded from our website.
Concerts
There is a Christmas and a Spring concert. Attendance for any student in band or chorus is required as part of their grade. The date is reserved several months in advance, so students need to schedule around it. In case of sudden illness, contact the teacher.
Dance Policy
All dances are held in the school cafeteria from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. The Junior Senior Prom and the Freshman Sophomore Semi Formal dances are held off campus. Each student will be allowed to bring one guest with the approval of their home school principal and SCC administration. The student is responsible for completing and submitting a “Dance Guest Form” that is available in the main office prior to the day of the dance. Students are required to sign in to the dance with time arriving. Students will not be admitted after 8:30 pm. Students are not permitted to sign out of a dance prior to 9:30 pm without written or verbal approval of a parent or guardian. There is a no re-entry to a dance once a student leaves. Appropriate attire is required at all dances. Chaperones reserve the right to refuse admission to any student not dressed appropriately.
Sophomores may attend the Junior Senior Prom if accompanied by an eleventh or twelfth grade student and they have parental permission. Eight grade students may attend the Freshman Sophomore Semi Formal if accompanied by a ninth or tenth grade student and they have parental permission.
Detention
After school detention will be held from 2:30 – 3:15 pm on the day assigned by an administrator. Students must report to detention in dress code. Students and parents are responsible for providing transportation home after the detention session. Teachers may also assign class detention. Students assigned a class detention must report to the detention in their school uniform, and provide their own transportation home. Detentions take priority over all athletics and extra-curricular activities. Students skipping detention or violating the rules of detention are subject to further disciplinary action.
Dishonesty
Stealing, cheating, vandalism, plagiarism, lying, and forging of signatures on notes are examples of unacceptable Christian behavior. These and other such behaviors will result in disciplinary action.
Dismissal
Dismissal from school is 2:20. Students need to visit their lockers to pack up to leave and then exit out the south door to go to the buses or to walk home, or wait in the lobby facing Broadway for their rides.
Driving Privileges
Parking in the school lot is reserved for staff and senior drivers by permit only. Students may not enter their cars during school hours unless permission is granted by administration. Permits will be distributed during the first week of school. All vehicles must be registered in the main office.
Electronic Equipment
Electronic Communications and Computer Devices
Students may not use any electronic communication or computer devices during the school day (8:20 am to 2:20 pm) while on school property or on a school sponsored off campus activity. Such devices include, but are not limited to cellular telephones, pagers, CD and audiocassette players, radios, MP3 players, Personal Digital Assistants, video devices, personal computers, digital players, and associated headphones, headsets microphones, earplugs or video recording devices.
Students must turn these and other such devices off at the start of the school day and secure them in their lockers, backpacks, purses or pockets. No electronic communications or computer devices and associated equipment can be visible to the staff of the school.
If a staff member observes a violation of the above, the device and any associated equipment will be confiscated by the staff member. The confiscated equipment will be turned into the main office, where the student can retrieve the device and any other equipment confiscated. A continuous violation by an individual of this rule will result in administrative disciplinary action.
Exemptions
Students who have an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) on file in the office which requires the use of one or more of these devices are exempt.
Students who have a graded assignment in which the use of one of these devices is necessary will ask for and receive a permission slip from the teacher to whom the graded assignment is for, to be allowed to bring the device(s) to the class. Both before and after the class, the device(s) must be secured as mentioned above.
Seniors, as part of their Senior Privileges, are exempt from the ban unless the privilege is revoked by the administration.
Students who need a computer during the school day have the ability to use one of the school’s student computers.
All teachers before they administer any quiz, test or other assessment tool, are to read aloud the following:
Student Use of Communications Devices. You may not use any communications device while taking any quiz, test or other type of graded assessment, either in the room where the quiz, test or other type of graded assessment is being administered or while on a supervised break (such as a bathroom visit). Such devices include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones, pagers, CD and audiocassette players, radios, MP3 players, Personal Digital Assistants, video devices, and associated headphones, headsets, microphones, or earplugs. If your cell phone rings, you may not answer it. If your pager beeps or vibrates, you may not look at it. You must therefore turn these and other such devices OFF right now and secure them underneath your desk [or in the location specified by the principal], OFF and away from your desktop. Your quiz, test or other type of graded assessment will be invalidated and no score will be calculated for you if you use any such device or related communications technology or if you wear headphones while in the classroom.
Extra-curricular Activities and Athletics
Students involved in extra-curricular activities and athletic practices and competition are representatives of Saratoga Central Catholic High School. As such, all of the expectations for appropriate behavior, Christian dignity, honor and decorum apply at all times on and off campus. Students in violation of the Code of Conduct while participating in extra-curricular or athletic activities are subject to disciplinary action.
Final Exam Exemption
Students achieving a final course average of 92% or higher are exempt from class final examinations. This exemption does not apply to New York State Regents Examinations or Assessments.
Fire & Emergency Drills
Silence is required during all fire and emergency drills. Students must exit the building in an orderly fashion without running or pushing other students. Due to the serious nature of emergency drills violators of the rules will receive severe disciplinary consequences.
Food in Classes
Students may not consume any food or beverage, except bottled water, outside of the cafeteria. Bottles are subject to inspection by teachers and administrators.
Fundraising
Each class will have one fundraiser during the year in order to cover class expenses. Money can be used to run a dance or game night, and eventually it will be used to defray the cost of the senior prom and baccalaureate dinner at graduation.
Grievance Process
As a school we work to help our students become independent. In view of this, if a student has a question or concern about a grade, he or she should first talk with the teacher during a free period or after school. If the problem cannot be resolved at this level, the student should approach the guidance counselor with his/her concerns, and finally the principal. If the student has not been able to resolve the problem, the parents can follow the same procedures.
Hall Passage
Students must sign out of classes when moving between destinations during class periods. Students are discouraged from using bathrooms, going to lockers, or visiting other classes during periods. Students should refrain from leaving their class during periods unless there is an emergency.
Homeroom
Students are not permitted into the building prior to 8:15 am. Students will assemble on the front steps prior to the opening of the doors at 8:15 am.
Homework
The purpose of homework is to reinforce a class lesson or help prepare a student for the next lesson. Generally, the faculty will try to adhere to the following guidelines for homework:
- On average a student could be assigned a total of about 10 minutes of homework, times their grade, per night. This results in 60 minutes for a sixth grader, and increasing by grade to up to 120 minutes for a twelfth grader.
- Homework may be assigned from Monday – Thursday for Middle School courses and Monday - Friday for Hight School courses and will be posted on the school’s website.
- Homework will not be assigned on the last day of class before official school vacations.
- Homework assignments will not be due on Mondays for Middle School courses, unless for whatever reason classes were cancelled for the previous Friday.
- Projects for Middle School courses will not be due on a Monday or on the first two days back from official school vacations.
- Teachers will compare their testing schedules so that students would not have more than two tests on any day unless due to the uniqueness of the student’s schedule a third test may occur.
- Students are expected to be prepared for all classes.
- Make up work is to be completed the first day that a student returns from an absence. Failure to make up missed work in accordance with teacher course requirements may result in a failing grade for missed assignments
- With these new guidelines it is expected that all students will complete their homework assigned and be ready to present it when due.
Official school vacations are:
- Thanksgiving Break
- Christmas Break
- Winter Break
- Easter and/or Spring Break (whether Easter Break is included in the Spring Break or not is dependent on what day in the year Easter falls on).
Ineligibility
Students failing two or more courses at the mid-quarter or quarter marking periods will be placed on academic ineligibility until the next mid-quarter or quarter marking period. Students placed on academic ineligibility may not participate in extra-curricular or athletic activities until they are removed from the ineligibility list.
Students with identified special education disabilities or 504 accommodations may have their cases reviewed by their teachers and administrators.
Locker Usage
All students will be assigned one locker during the first day of classes. It is the student’s responsibility to keep their lockers clean and orderly. The exterior of the locker shall be free of papers, pictures, graffiti, etc… at all times.
Medical Policy
Students with a fever, upset stomach, sever cough, or bowel discomfort should not attend school. Once in school parents will be notified if a student is too sick to complete the day. All non prescription medications must be accompanied by a parent’s note. All prescription medications must be accompanied by a doctor’s order. Medication forms are available in the nurse’s office.
A physical examination is required annually for every student participating in any sports activity. It is the responsibility of the student and their parent to make sure that all medical information in their health file is accurate and up to date. Sports physical information is available in the nurse’s office.
Parking
Parking spaces in the school parking lot are assigned to specific people for the school day. Visitors may park in the Annex parking lot next to the school on Hamilton Street
Report Card
Report cards are issued every ten weeks and are mailed home to parents. The exact dates are different each year. Check the monthly calendar or the school website for the dates.
Retreats
One retreat is scheduled for each class each year. These occur off campus and during school time so attendance is required. Retreats are very useful for introspection, getting to know the other members of the class and working through differences between students.
Scholarship and Financial Aid
Eighth grade students may sit for a scholarship exam for ninth grade, and all families can apply for need-based financial aid. The forms for the latter are available in the main office in March or early April.
School Supervision
Students are in the direct supervision of staff members during the regularly scheduled hours of 8:15 am – 2:45 pm. Students must be supervised by a coach or other responsible adult after school hours. No student is permitted to be in the school building before or after school without proper supervision.
Sports
For a complete listing of the sports teams and guidelines, please see the school website.
Transportation
Bus transportation must be arranged by each family through their home school district. Forms for this are mailed home as soon as we get them from the districts, usually in April.
Tuition Policy
The Diocese of Albany Tuition Policy:
Tuition is payment for services rendered and as such is the primary source of revenue for the school. The principal, in consultation with the local School Board, determines the tuition of the respective school. In order to effectively administer the school, prompt payment of tuition is necessary to assure an adequate cash flow for the school. The diocesan School Board has adopted the following Tuition Policy.
In cases of extenuating circumstances, the principal will work with individual families to make arrangements for payment of tuition that will meet the needs of the family and the school. The Diocesan School Board recognizes that situations do arise that necessitate changes in the agreed upon schedule. The specific agreement will be worked out with the principal and/or finance committee of the local School Board.
Tuition Agreement:
A written tuition agreement will be prepared for all families which indicates the names of students covered by the agreement, the name of the person responsible for paying the tuition, the total combined tuition for the student(s) listed and, if a payment plan is requested, the number and amount of scheduled payments. The responsible party must sign and date the agreement. (Effective 1/99)
For families electing payment plans:
Prior to the opening of school in September, tuition payments as indicated in the tuition agreement must be current. If payments are not current, admission will be denied and the parent or guardian must meet with the principal. The principal will create one written arrears agreement between the family and the school which details a plan for bringing tuition current. Default on any payment in the agreement will result in suspension.
After the opening of school
Payments more than 1 month in arrears
A delinquency notice will be mailed indicating sanctions be imposed if account remains delinquent. A late fee will be assessed
Payments more than 2 months in arrears.
A letter will be sent to parents or guardians indicating that payment must be received within two weeks. If the payment is not received, or if arrangements for payment are not made with the principal, the student(s) will be suspended from classes. Participation in any extracurricular activities (interscholastic sports, drama, class activities, etc.) will be denied.
Any tuition in arrears.
Report cards will be held and admission to mid-term or final examinations will be denied.
At the end of the school year, graduating students will not be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies. Diploma will be held until all tuition is paid.
For returning students, registration for the following school year will be suspended. Student will not be allowed to begin practice for fall sports. Admission on the opening day of school will be denied until all prior year tuition is paid or a written tuition arrears agreement is in place.
Release of student records requested by parents will be denied untial all tuition is paid.
Revisions or changes to this policy may be made only with the approval of the Albany Diocesan School Board.
Uniform Code
Students must be in full uniform upon entering homeroom, and they must remain so for the entire school day. Students who are out of uniform as determined by the administrator will be assigned detention and/or phone calls home.
The administration may refuse to allow a student to attend classes until the student is in uniform. In these cases, the parent or guardian of the student may be called to either bring in the needed uniform attire or to bring the student home to change.
- Shirt - All students must wear the official dress code polo shirt with the school logo. The shirt must be long enough to be tucked into the trousers or skirt. Students must button all but the top button of their shirts.
- Pants/Skirt - Students must wear the official dress code gray pants. Ladies may wear the heather-gray pleated. The length (bottom hem) of a skirt is to be no shorter than measured in the following manner - "The student will stand erect with her hands by her sides and the hem of the skirt has to be, at a minimum, two (2") inches beyond the tips of her fingers." Students who wear skirts shorter than this measurement will be required to adjust the length of the skirt to the acceptable length. Continue violation of this dress code will result in administrative action.
- Sweater - All students must wear the official dress code navy blue uniform sweater with the Saratoga Central Catholic monogram at all times from October 1st to April 30th. Sweaters are optional for the months of September, May and June.
- Belt - Belts must be the official dress code black web belt.
- Headwear - No head wear of any kind may be worn during the school day.
- Shoes - Only black shoes will be permitted. No sneakers, open toed shoes/sandals or work boots/Timberlands will be allowed.
- Socks - Navy crew socks, navy knee socks or navy tights must be worn.
- Jewelry - Extreme or excessive jewelry (i.e., facial rings, nose piercings, body piercing, etc.) will not be allowed.
- Hair - Hair must be neat and clean. No extreme hair styles or colors will be allowed.
- Only solid white short-sleeved shirts are to be worn under polo shirts. No colored or patterned tee shirts or turtleneck shirts are allowed.
- All garments with the exception of shoes must be purchased through Student Styles by Smith, Inc.


