COMMUNICATIONS

Communication Flow Chart

Parent-Teacher Communication

Parents are strongly urged to contact the teacher whenever the need arises. If you call during the school day, the office will leave the teacher a message to return your call.

If you wish to have a conference with your child’s teacher, please call, email or write ahead to the teacher to make an appointment.  Our teachers’ schedules do not allow for drop-in conferences at any time.

Please allow the teacher sufficient time to investigate a situation. If you are not satisfied with the resolution made by the teacher, you may contact the administration. If you are still dissatisfied after taking these steps, you may contact the pastor.

It is very important that everyone involved are aware of the complete facts. No final decisions will be made until all the facts have been sufficiently considered by all parties involved.

Communication notices are sent home weekly with the students and will also be posted on the Saint Mary’s Primary School’s Website: www.saintmarystaunton.com.

Parent-Administration Communication

Parents are strongly urged to contact the administration whenever the need arises. If you call during the school day, the office will leave the administrator a message to return your call.

If you wish to have a conference with the administration, please call or write ahead to the to make an appointment.  Also, through e-mail:

Mr. Brian M. Cote (bcote@saintmarystaunton.com) 

Mrs. Sandra M. Parker (sparker@saintmarystaunton.com).

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Confidentiality

Administrators and teachers will keep confidential information entrusted to them so long as no one’s life, health or safety is at stake. Parents will be promptly notified of teacher concerns.

Office Communication/Correspondence

All correspondences to the Saint Mary’s Business Office must be in clearly labeled envelopes.  Please put your child’s name grade (using both numbers 1-1, 1-2, 1-3 or your child’s teacher’s name) and what each envelope contains (i.e. tuition payment, hot lunch, etc…) When paying for several items on one day, please send separate checks for each item, as the money is distributed into several different accounts.

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Phone Calls

Students, as a rule are not allowed to make or receive telephone calls during the day. Only emergency calls are allowed. Calls for homework or permission to go to a friend’s house are not considered emergencies.

Please do not call the office for homework request. The office will not assume the responsibility for homework request or similar messages.

Saint Mary’s Primary School has Caller ID service, if you have a private number and you are trying to telephone the school, you must first dial *82 to unlock your number. After the call is terminated, your private number will be reactivated.


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Emergency Information

The Emergency Form must be kept updated.  Please notify the business office immediately if there is a change in your address, telephone number, work number, baby-sitter or persons to contact in an emergency.  Please include cell phones and pager numbers.

Children will only be released to people whose names are on this form. We must have at least four people to call in an emergency.  This information is very important to you and to us in case your child becomes ill or injured.

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No School/Early Dismissal Information

Saint Mary’s Primary School follows the “No School” announcement of the Taunton Public Schools:

• Inclement weather
• Late starts
• Early dismissal due to inclement weather

No School announcement will be broadcast between 6:00 a.m. and 8:50 a.m. on radio stations: WPEP and WBZ, as well as television channels 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 and cable 9.  In addition, a recorded announcement at Saint Mary’s School (508-822-9480) will confirm the school cancellation.

If it is necessary to dismiss early due to inclement weather or any other emergency, every effort will be made to notify parents/guardians and to guarantee the safety of the students.

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Counseling Opportunities and Expectations

In times when counseling opportunities or crisis intervention must be sought by the school, the Office of Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Fall River is contacted. 

Evacuation Plan

Principal/Assistant Principal:

• Call 911 (if necessary)
• Principal issues evacuation procedures and consults with Pastor (if warranted).
• Principal determines if students and staff should be evacuated outside of building or to the primary or secondary relocation centers.
• Principal notifies the relocation center(s).
• Direct students and staff to follow the fire drill procedures and route. Follow alternate route if the normal route is too dangerous.
• Close all windows.
• Turn off lights, electrical equipment, air conditioning and heating system.
• Place evacuation sign in the window(s) of the doors.
• Lock doors.

Teachers:

• Plan to evacuate with your students. Direct students to follow the normal fire drill procedures unless Principal alters the route.
• Close classroom windows, doors, and turn out the lights.
• Take a copy of class roster and something to write with.
• When outside building, account for all students. Inform principal immediately if student(s) is/are missing.
• Account for all students at your arrival at the relocation center.

Relocation Center(s):

Primary Relocation Center :                                           Secondary Relocation Center :

Coyle & Cassidy High School                                      St. Anthony’s Parish Hall

2 Hamilton Street                                                          126 School Street

Taunton , MA 02780                                                      Taunton , MA   02780

508-823-6164                                                             508-822-0714

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CATHOLIC FAITH

Liturgy

Liturgy is the center of our Catholic faith and as such plays a vital part in the life of each student. Liturgical and para-liturgical services provide a setting for the development of a fully Christian life. The gathering of the Saint Mary’s community, at prayer and Eucharist, at various times throughout the school year nourishes its members and unites them in Christian spirit.

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Prayer

Prayer is an integral part of daily life at Saint Mary’s Primary School. Each day begins and ends with prayer. Prayer services attended by student body are scheduled at regular intervals.

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Sacramental Preparation

The sacramental preparation (Baptism, Penance and Communion) of the children at Saint Mary’s Primary School is the responsibility of their parents and faith communities. Saint Mary’s seeks to provide a religious instruction curriculum, which is age appropriate for faith development and which seeks to supplement the instruction that takes place in the homes and faith communities of the children. Parents must contact their pastor for the requirements for their child for sacramental preparation.

DISCIPLINE CODE

School Wide Expectations

Students represent Saint Mary’s Primary School wherever they go. All students are expected to witness Christian values in all of their actions … at school, at home and in their communities.

Students are expected to:

·         Be active participants in the learning process;

·         Be courteous and respectful of all staff and students;

·         Respect school property, as well as their own and that of others;

·         Listen and follow directions;

·         Walk quietly and in an orderly fashion in the building at all times;

·         Dress according to the school uniform policies;

·         Refrain from gum chewing on school grounds;

·         Complete all classroom and homework assignments;

·         Seek additional help from teachers, when needed;

·         Accept responsibility for getting school communications home;

·         Bring daily lunches when not participating in hot lunch program;

·         Refrain from any inappropriate behavior or conduct unbecoming of a Christian student.

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Classroom Discipline

Assertive Discipline Objectives are posted in each classroom. Consequences of infractions are explained and discussed with students in individual classrooms. Students are expected to live within this framework of discipline. The classroom teachers will handle all discipline before involving the administration. Parents will be notified immediately if their child is having difficulty with this process.  Our philosophy is “each day is a new beginning”.

Component Parts of the System of Student Discipline

The component parts of the system of student discipline are as follows:

·         Warning (verbal or written) by teacher/administration;

·         Detention or Loss of Privilege;

·         In-School Suspension;

·         Out-of-School Suspension;

·         Expulsion.

The nature of the violation will determine the consequence assessed by the classroom teacher or the administration. The school administration is the final recourse in all disciplinary situations and may waive any disciplinary rule for just cause at his/her own discretion.

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Detention

At all times, the classroom teacher will keep parents and the administration informed of any student’s unwillingness to comply with classroom rules.  A student who is given a detention is to serve it with his/her teacher or the administration, when it is assigned, regardless of any prior commitments. Parents will be notified of the detention and are responsible for the child’s transportation home.

Offenses subject to detention (3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

·         Fighting

·         Disrespect

·         Inappropriate behavior outside of classroom

·         Destruction of school property

·         Leaving the school grounds

·         Habitual lateness

·         Foul language

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Discipline Guidelines

The following offenses are considered more serious offenses and are grounds for suspensions, at the discretion of the administration:

·         Stealing

·         Assault

·         Obscene behavior

·         Repeated harassment of a student

·         Situations involving drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or weapons (any object used to threaten or harm others) will result in immediate action taken by the administration

·         All violence (threatened and acted; verbal or actions) will be taken serious.

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Bus Conduct

Students should always be mindful that they hold in their keeping the good name of the school and should so conduct themselves as to bring no discredit upon it. Behavior of children on buses is a safety concern and will be enforced improper conduct may cause the termination of this transportation privilege.

All Saint Mary’s Students must adhere to the following bus rules:

·         Students are to wait for the bus at the assigned stop in an orderly manner until the bus comes to a complete stop;

·         Students are to refrain from any harassment of the public or damage to public or private property at the designated stop;

·         Students are to board and exit the bus in an orderly fashion;

·         Students are to remain seated at all times until they reach their destination;

·         Students shall not eat, drink or litter on the bus;

·         Students are not to throw objects on the bus or extend objects and or body parts outside the bus;

·         Student must cross in front of the bus because crossing behind the bus is prohibited by state law.

Students who violate these bus rules may be denied transportation and it will be the responsibility of the parents to transport the child to and from school.


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EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Saint Mary’s Primary School recognizes that extra-curricular activities are an important part of the educational experiences. Every student has a right to join the activities and to be evaluated fairly. The extra-curricular activities offered consist of: After School Programs, Yearbook Club, Drama Club, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc…

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Field Trips

Field trips are privileges afforded to students.  Students may be denied participation if they fail to meet academic or behavioral requirements. All field trips will have an educational purpose.

Under no circumstance will a child be able to attend or participate in a field trip without a diocesan permission slip signed by a parent/guardian. Verbal permission for participation in a field trip will not be accepted. An official signed diocesan permission slip may be submitted by fax will be accepted.

Listed below are the Field Trip Procedures that have been developed, which must be strictly adhered to:

All chaperones must have completed a volunteer application, Code of Conduct form and successfully completed the CORI as well as attended the Abuse Prevention Training Workshop;

Teachers/Administrators will serve as supervisors and coordinators making all the key decisions regarding field trips. Chaperones shall follow all directives and realize the teacher’s authority during this school-time activity. Chaperones will follow all field trip instructions for students, especially those regarding lunch;

Chaperones are responsible for their own field trip expenses;

Any child requiring medication on the day of the field trip must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian;

The school bears no insurance responsibility for parents who choose to attend the field trip and drive in private cars;

Chaperones shall not buy food, gifts, or give money to other students;

Chaperones shall inform the teacher or another chaperone when leavening the larger group for bathroom needs. Two or more students shall be taken to the bathroom at the same time. (It is not a good idea to take one child to the bathroom). Remaining students from the small group must be left with the teacher or another chaperone;

All students must travel to and from the field trip on the bus. Chaperones may not drive their own children in cars;

Chaperones shall follow set schedules and attend promptly to all meeting times;

Chaperones may not apply sun tan lotion or give any medication, cough drops or food or drink of any kind (allergies);

Children not enrolled at Saint Mary’s Primary School may not attend field trips.

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HEALTH RELATED POLICIES                                                                                                                  

This school respects the parents as persons responsible for the health care of their children. This school’s staff will cooperate with all reasonable medical requirements, but parents must understand that the school is primarily an educational institution.

Immunization and Physical Examinations

Parents must present an updated immunization and health record upon the child’s entering of school. A child will not be allowed into a classroom without an updated medical history.

Doctor’s Certificate

If a child is absent due to a communicable disease, the office must be notified. The child will not be allowed into the classroom without a doctor’s certificate. Also, when a child comes to school with a cast, brace, stitches, staples or after a surgery or hospitalization for illness, they must have written doctor’s orders explaining the nature of the injury or whether the child has any physical restrictions. Physical education and recess will be allowed with doctor’s orders AND at the discretion of thee physical education teacher and the health office.

Physical Education

No child may be excused from physical education for more than one week without written notification from a doctor stating the reason.  The excused student may not resume physical education until the school receives written notification from the doctor. These excuses are to be submitted to and maintained by the nurse/business office.

Health Screenings

Auditory and Vision Tests are administered annually. Each year, physical exams are given to students in grade 4 and scoliosis exams in grade 5.

Reporting of Accidents and Injuries

This school will promptly record in wiring and report any student accidents or injuries to the affected students’ parents. Reporting does not constitute an acceptable of liability.

Administration of Medication

The distribution of medication during school hours is highly discouraged. If a child is in need to take a medication three times a day, it is strongly recommended that the medication be administered before school, after school and at night-time. However, if need be, it is the responsibility of the parent to complete the Written Parent/Guardian Consent for Medical Administration and have the licensed prescriber complete the Medication Order Form.

In the event that we have a school nurse available to us, all medication must be delivered to school by a parent, in its original labeled bottle, where it is kept locked in the nurse’s office and a medical log is kept. All medications will be dispensed by the school nurse.

In the event that we do not have a school nurse available to us, the following policy will be in effect:

·         The school will not dispense medication (prescribed or over the counter) so a parent must come to school to administer the medication.

·         In regards to inhalers, students are responsible for utilizing their inhalers in the presence of an administrator or designee. All inhalers are kept locked in the nurses office and a medical log is kept.

·         In case of a life-threatening emergency, all epi-pens will be kept in the nurse’s office and will be administered by an administrator or designee.

•   Students should not be carrying any type of medications on their personal body including cough drops.  Cough drops must be taken to the   business office where and when a student needs one.
  

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PARENT COOPERATION

Parent Involvement

By witness of their lives, parents provide the foundation for successful education of their children. Parental involvement is essential in four areas:

·        Worship – home prayer, regular participation in a faith community

·        Learning – overseeing and regular participation with homework

·        Community – involvement in activities of the school and local neighborhood

·        Justice – outreach to those in need

Without the active involvement of parents in these areas, the work of Saint Mary’s Primary School would be undermined.  Parent involvement is the key element to the success of our school.

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Parent-Teacher Organization – School Life Committee

The school life committee is responsible for creating, advising on and assisting in programs that support students, faculty, parents, alumnae, and grandparents of the school. The committee is responsible for maintaining good communication between home and school, for providing a vehicle through which parents can provide service to the school and for offering a mechanism for parent education. All parents are members of the School Life Committee.

Principal’s Advisory Council

The mission of the Principal’s Advisory Council is to provide advice and council on matters relating to the well being of Saint Mary’s Primary School. The council has representation from the following standing committees: finances, development, school life, technology, physical plant, program, Catholic identity as well as strategic planning.

The council consists of Rev. William H. Kelley, C.S.C., Mr. Brian M. Cote, Mrs. Sandra M. Parker, parents and community members.

Finance Committee:

The finance committee is responsible for advising the administration on the financial status of the school. The committee reviews the budget and makes recommendations on budgetary matters including but not limited to tuition recommendations, capital expenditure requests and long-range strategic planning.

Physical Plant Committee:

The committee is responsible for advising the administration on the physical condition of the school buildings and grounds, assisting with repairs and improvements, as well as the overall upkeep of the school grounds, recommending necessary expenditures for capital improvements and extraordinary repairs both for the purposes of future budgeting and in emergencies.  The committee is responsible for creating a long-term strategic plan in order to prioritize maintenance issues.

Development Committee:

The committee is responsible for creating, advising and assisting in programs and activities that will maximize non-tuition based revenues for the school; formulating policies and guidelines to follow to educate the community as to the needs, goals, and objectives of the school; public relations and maintenance of liaison with the community served by the school.

Technology Committee:

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TECHNOLOGY AND THE INTERNET

Website:

Saint Mary’s Primary School’s website address is www.saintmarystaunton.com

E-mail Addresses

Every administrator and teacher at Saint Mary’s Primary School has an e-mail address and maybe contacted by using his/her first initial, last name followed by @saintmarystaunton.com. (i.e. bcote@saintmarystaunton.com).

Computer System and Internet Access

A sample copy of the Diocesan Student Internet Acceptable Use Agreement may be found in the appendix of this handbook.

Use of Student Pictures/Information

Saint Mary’s Primary School reserves the right to use student pictures in publications and on the school’s website. Any parent who does not wish his or her child’s picture used must immediately notify the principal in writing within the first week of the beginning of the academic school year.   

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Accidents

Students should immediately report all accidents to the teacher on duty and/or the office staff. In the event that medical attention is required, parents will be notified. If parents are unreachable, the school will contact the doctor on the emergency form.

Arrival

Students should depart from cars or buses in an orderly fashion and go their respective playground areas, until the 8:55 a.m. bell rings.

Outside supervision begins at 8:40 a.m.  Parents are advised that children are not to be in the school yard outside of supervised times.  In case of inclement weather, students will enter the school building by the front door and go directly to the auditorium where supervision will be provided.  

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Busing

Busing is provided for the students in Kindergarten – Grade 5 whose parents are residents of the City of Taunton.

Some children may be shuttled to and from Our Lady of Lourdes School.

School bus transportation policy and guidelines state that a student may receive busing if such student resides at or beyond the following distances:

            Grade 5                                    1 ½ miles

            Grades 1-4                               1 ¼ miles

            Kindergarten                            close proximity

Also, any student may be required to walk the following distance to a bus stop:

            Grades 1-5                               ¾ of a mile

            Kindergarten                            close proximity

Close Proximity – buses are not expected to operate over improperly maintained roads, private lanes leading to a residency or into limited access roads, which do not have adequate turnarounds for school buses.  Also, it does not mean door-to-door pick-up and drop-off.  
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Daily Schedule

School Days:

Nursery a.m.    8:55 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Grades K-5      8:55 a.m. – 3:05 p.m.

Recess:

Nursery and Kindergarten students will have a daily outdoor recess, weather permitting , supervised by teachers and aides. 

Lunch:                          11:50 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.                                                        
(Supervised by teachers and volunteers)

Lunch Recess:

Grades K – 2   1:00 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.

Dismissal

Dismissal is at 3:05 p.m.  The administration and faculty while awaiting bus departure supervise students. A parental note is mandatory if a student is changing their usual mode of transportation.

Children who are picked up by parents should always be picked up promptly at 3:05 p.m. Children who are not picked up on time will be sent to the extended care area to be supervised by one of our teachers until parents arrive. You will be billed at the end of the month for this service.

In case of emergency, when parents cannot arrive on time for dismissal, the administration must be notified.


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Extended Care

Saint Mary’s Primary School provides a before-school and after-school care program for students whose parent wish to drop them off at school before the beginning of school as well as remain after the close of school.

Morning Care:

Morning care is offered from 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. at a cost of $2.00 for each ½ hour. If you child arrives at school before 8:30 a.m., he/she will be sent to the extended care area, which is supervised by one of our teachers. You will be billed at the end of the month for this service.

Afternoon Care:

Afternoon care is offered from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at a cost of $2.00 for each ½ hour. If your child is not picked up on time at the end of the day, he/she will be sent to the extended care area, which is supervised by one of our teachers. Extended Care ends promptly at 5:00 p.m. The cost for late service is $5.00 for each ½ hour. You will be billed at the end of the month for this service.

A.M. Nursery:

There is no mid-afternoon care. If your child is not picked up on time, he/she will be sent to the business office, where the secretaries must supervise him/her. The cost for this service is $5.00 for each ½ hour. You will then be billed at the end of the month for this service.


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Fire Drills

Fire drills are conducted periodically to ensure that students are properly instructed as to the procedures to follow should an actual fire ever exist.

Hot Lunch and Milk Program

Hot lunch and milk are offered to the students in grades k – 5 on a daily basis.  Order forms are sent home monthly with a specific return date. No lunch orders will be accepted late.  If the order is not in by the due date, your child will not receive hot lunches for that month. No refunds will be given for absences or snow dates. This money will be donated to charity.

Hot Lunch Checklist Calendars will be sent home at the same time as the Hot Lunch Order form. This will enable you to keep a record of which days your child/children have ordered hot lunch.

Mondays – “Wendy’s Burgers” – The meal is a plain hamburger or plain cheeseburger with French fries. There are packets of ketchup, mustard and relish available to put on the sandwiches. You cannot order burgers and fries separately. The cost is $2.25 for the entire meal.

Tuesdays – “Papa Gino’s Ziti/Side Salad” – The meal is 5 oz of ziti with sauce and a breadstick or 5 oz. of ziti with sauce, a breadstick and a meatball. If you would like the ziti without sauce, you must circle PL on the order form. We also offer a side salad. Either Ranch or Italian Dressing is available to put on the salad. You may order ziti and salads separately. The cost of the ziti is $1.75 and ziti with a meatball is $2.25. The cost of the side salad is $1.75.

Wednesdays – “KFC Nuggets” – The meal is 5 nuggets, mashed potato, gravy and a roll. If you would like the potatoes without gravy, you must circle PL on the order form. You cannot order nuggets and potatoes separately. The order is $3.00 for the entire meal.

Thursdays – “Taco Bell ” – The meal is a soft chicken taco or a soft ground beef taco. The tacos have lettuce and cheese on them. Mild sauce is available on the side. We also offer nachos chips with cheese. You may order tacos and chips separately. The cost of the chicken taco is $2.00 and the beef taco is $1.25. The cost of the nachos is $1.25.

Fridays – “Papa Gino’s Pizza/Side Salad” – The meal is a slice of large cheese pizza (cut into eight slices). We also offer a side salad. Either Ranch or Italian Dressing is available to put on the salad. You may order pizza and salad separately. The cost of the pizza is $1.00 per slice and the cost of the side salad is $1.75.

Milk – We offer three flavors of milk: white, chocolate and coffee. You must order milk for the entire month, not only on the days that you purchase hot lunch. You must choose one flavor for the entire month. The cost of the milk is $.40 per day.

We do not order extra hot lunches on any day. If a child comes to school without a lunch, we will contact the parents to bring in a bag lunch.

Parents are to provide:

·         A bag lunch on the days that your child does not order hot lunch

·         A drink every day if your child does not order milk

·         A snack every day

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Insurance

There are several insurance plans available to Saint Mary’s students through Lefebvre Insurance Company of Wrentham. Brochures are sent home in September explaining the various options.

Lost and Found

Anything found in the building or on school grounds should be turned in to the business office. If you have lost something, please check in the “lost and found” area located by the milk cooler. Several times during the year all “lost and found” items will be placed on a table for viewing. After one week, all unclaimed items will be donated to the St. Vincent DePaul Society.

Playground Supervisor

Outside supervision at the morning recess (8:40 a.m. – 8:55 a.m.) and at the lunch recess (12:15 p.m. – 12:35 p.m.; 1:00 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.) are provided by the teachers and parent volunteers. Playground Supervisors must have completed a volunteers application, Code of Conduct form, successfully completed a CORI form as well as attended the Abuse Training Workshop. He/she must report to the business office to sign the Visitor Register and obtain a visitor button, before assisting on the playground.
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School Store

The school store carries many student supplies, novelty items, gym uniforms and vintage uniforms. The store is run by Mrs. Carolyn Mulhurn and parent volunteers. Please stop by the business office if you have an hour a week to donate. The regular school store hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Teacher Requests

All requests for student placement must be submitted in writing to Mr. Cote by June 1^st of the proceeding school year. No requests will be accepted after this date, as class lists must be finalized.

Textbook and Library Books

If a child damages or loses a textbook, he/she is responsible for its replacement. Textbooks must be covered at all times. All textbooks must be transported to and from home in a book bag.

If a child damages or loses a library book, he/she is responsible for its replacement. Parents will be notified if a library book is more than one week overdue. Children will be allowed to check one book out of the library at a time, unless requested by a teacher for classroom projects.
The school administration will determine the price of lost books. The price may also reflect shipping and handling fee.
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Toys

No “fad” toys (Pokemon cards, wrestling figures, etc…) or electronic toys (gameboys, portable CD players) are to be brought to school or on the bus. These toys will be confiscated and kept in the business office.

Transportation

There are two modes of transportation for students at dismissal: bus and pick-up. The definitions are:

·         Bus – your child must ride the bus

 If your child is going to a friend’s house and taking the bus, you must send in a dated and signed note stating:

My child ___________ is going home today with ___________ on Bus # _____.

 If your child is going to a friend’s house and being picked up in a car, you must send in a dated and signed note stating:

 My child ___________ is going home today with ___________ and will be picked up by ____________ in the car line (or pick-up line).

·        Pick-up – your child will be dismissed from the school auditorium. Parents must park off the school grounds and enter the side door (hospital side) and proceed to the auditorium. The teacher in charge will dismiss the child as parents arrive. Parents and child (ren) must proceed and exit the school by the side door ( Dolan Center side).

All parents/guardians must park off school ground utilizing the Parish ( Washington Street ) Parking Lot or any available legal roadside parking space.

Parents must observe all safety and road signs (i.e. No Parking, No Left onto Broadway, No Left onto Church Street , etc…).

Parents are not to park in local businesses or the GAR Building .

Non-access to the school parking lot beginning at 2:30 p.m. to the end of the school dismissal will be enforced.

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Uniform and Dress Code

Uniform clothes are available through Donnell's Uniform Company (1-800-498-0045). Gym Uniforms are available in our School Store. Also the School Store maintains a collections of used uniform pieces that can be swapped if you have uniforms that have been outgrown. If you don't have anything to swap, you can purchase uniform pieces for a small price.

The regulation uniform(s) are to be worn at all times with the exception of a "No Uniform Day". The students on field trips will wear the schools' Gym Uniform.

This is a strict dress code. There is no mixing and matching of the various uniforms. Parental cooperation is essential in this matter. The administration of the school is the authority in determining any dress code question. 

GIRLS’ FORMAL UNIFORM

·         School Plaid Jumper, knee-length  

·         Navy Blue Pleated Slacks

·         White Peter Pan Collar Blouse or White or Blue Turtleneck

·         Navy Blue Sweater

·         Navy Blue Socks or Tights (no nylons or tan dance tights)

·         Dress Shoes or Sneakers (no boots, clogs, crocs, sandals, platforms, backless shoes or backless sneakers)

·         No Gym Sweatshirts

BOYS’ FORMAL UNIFORM

·         Navy Blue Dress Pants (no extra pockets, elastic cuffs or baggies)

·         Light Blue Oxford Shirt, button down collar, long or short sleeves

·         Navy Blue Ties (plain)

·         Navy Blue Sweaters

·         Brown or Black Belt

·         Navy Blue Socks

·         Dark Dress Shoes or Sneakers (no boots, crocs or sandals)

·         No Gym Sweatshirts

GIRLS’ & BOYS’ WARM WEATHER UNIFORM (Sept. - Oct. 12, May 1st, - June)

·         Light Blue Polo Shirt

·         Navy Blue Dress Shorts, knee-length (no skorts)

·         Brown or Black Belt

·         White Socks

·         Sneakers (no clogs, crocs, sandals, platform shoes, backless shoes, or backless sneakers)

GIRLS’ & BOYS’ GYM UNIFORM

·         Light Blue Saint Mary’s Logo T-Shirt

·         Navy Blue Saint Mary’s Logo Shorts – knee length (Sept., May, & June)

·         Navy Blue Saint Mary’s Logo Sweatshirt

·         Navy Blue Saint Mary’s Logo Sweatpants

·         Sneakers ( no clogs, crocs, sandals, platform shoes, backless shoes or backless sneakers)

·        All St. Mary's Logo Items are available in the school store.

NO UNIFORM DAYS

Students should be dressed appropriately whenever there is a No Uniform Day. Tank tops, camisoles or scooped necked shirts, short or cropped tops, and shirts with inappropriate slogans or sayings are not allowed. Shorts or skirts should not be too tight or short. Sleeveless shirts should have an appropriate width shoulder (about 2 inches wide). Shoes must have a back to them - no clogs or slip on sandals are allowed, even on a No Uniform Day. The administration of the school is the authority in determining appropriateness of my clothing worn to school. Parents will be contacted to arrange for appropriate clothing if the administration determines a child is dressed inappropriately. 

GENERAL DRESS CODE CLARIFICATIONS

·       There should be no makeup nail polish and/or lip-gloss. Clear Chap Stick is allowed when needed.

·         Hats and bandanas are not allowed for both girls and boys

·         No dangling earrings

ALL uniform regulations and guidelines are subject to the discretion of the principal and assistant principal. 

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Visitors

In order to guarantee the safety of the children and staff, the outside doors of the school locked at all times.  All visitors must use the front door and report to the Saint Mary’s business office (located immediately to the right of the main entrance).

All visitors must sign in (and out) of the Visitor Register and obtain a visitor’s sticker.

Volunteers

All volunteers at Saint Mary’s must complete the following:

·         A volunteer application

·         Code of Conduct form

·         Successfully complete a CORI Form

·         Attend the Abuse Training Workshop

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Administration’s Right to Amend Handbook

The school administration retains the right to amend the handbook for just cause. Parents will be given prompt notification if there are any changes made. 

Saint Mary’s Primary School Shield   

The shield of Saint Mary’s Primary School was designed and painted by Mrs. Beatrice Viera, a long time secretary of the school a faithful friend of Saint Mary’s to commemorate the ninetieth anniversary of the school’s beginning.

The upper left quadrant is the Seal of the Diocese of Fall River with the Celtic Cross from the steeple of Saint Mary’s Church of Taunton superimposed upon it.  The six pointed star in the center represents the Star of Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus Christ.

In a clockwise motion, the upper right quadrant has the family crest of the Coyle family. Monsignor James Coyle was the Pastor of Saint Mary’s and under his direction, the school was built. The book represents his Doctorate from Notre Dame University and his dedication to learning.

The lower right quadrant features a lily, the ancient symbol of Mary, the Mother of God and the patron of our school. The lily blossoms represent the nurturing of young children with virtue and justice. The crown represents Mary’s role in the history of salvation, with the four colored jewels atop a crown the color of the rainbow and the promise of God to Noah from the Book of Genesis.

The final quadrant is divided into two sections, the two red hearts are the insignia of the Sisters of the Holy Union, who staffed the school from it’s beginning and continued until 1986. The year 1903 represents the beginning of the school and its opening day September 8, 1908.

The colors of the shield: the dark sapphire blue denotes surveillance, protecting those within from harm, what does not belong cannot enter. The light blue denotes heavenly intention and acts as a force connecting Divine goodness to the world. The white denotes purity of heart and intention.  
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