MISSION STATEMENT OF SAINT HELENA SCHOOL

Our school is rooted in the legacy of Catherine McAuley, the Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy.  We affirm the Mercy tradition of caring for the poor, respecting the uniqueness of each person, and protecting the environment through responsible stewardship.  We teach the gospel values of Jesus Christ to provide our students with the knowledge to make just choices in life.  Administration, faculty, and parents work together to foster a community of love, respect, and academic excellence.

 

 Teaching Philosophy and Core Values

“Catherine McAuley animated many to walk with her.  She animated others at centers of wealth, power, and influence to share in her heroic efforts. She connected the rich to the poor, the healthy to the sick, the educated and skilled to the uninstructed, the influential to those of no consequence, the powerful to the weak to do the work of God on earth.”  From Tender Courage

The Saint Helena faculty is led by the Spirit to live a life of faith in action.  In the Mercy tradition, we proclaim a message of hope, reflected in our daily commitment towards a conversion of heart.  Our faith community makes a significant difference in our students because the experiences we share with them will lead them to walk with confidence in their hopes for their futures.

Our faculty is strengthened through a spiritual and emotional support system evidenced in our shared prayer life, celebrations, and time together.  We seek to nurture within each child the desire to learn through a variety of experiences in religious, intellectual, social, and physical activities and programs.  Our children are taught how to learn as well as mastering necessary basic skills.  These are the skills the children can use to seek truth throughout their lives, enabling them to recognize kind and just choices as they navigate life’s challenges.

Our teaching methods strengthen basic skills and develop abilities in self-expression, critical thinking, problem solving, and creative thought.  We value the self-esteem of each child by recognizing the uniqueness of the individuals who come to learn, to pray, and to play each day.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Saint Helena School operates under the auspices of the Office of Catholic Education of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. All schools in the Archdiocese admit students of any race, religion, sex, nationality, and ethnic origin with all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students in these schools.

Saint Helena School endeavors to accommodate students with special needs, as the school’s resources and capabilities reasonably permit.

Enrollment Criteria

To be considered a participating parishioner for tuition purposes, the family must:

• Be registered at St. Helena Parish. The reduced tuition is available to families who regularly attend Mass and have contributed at least $780 in the previous calendar year (by December 31).
• Provide a copy of a certificate of baptism from a Catholic church

Any family unable to provide the above documentation still is welcome to enroll at Saint Helena School if space is available.

Students enrolling at Saint Helena School must meet the following age requirements:

• A child entering PreK3 must be three years of age on or before September 1 of the year in which he or she seeks admission.
• A child entering PreK4 must be four years of age on or before September 1 of the year in which he or she seeks admission.
•  A child entering kindergarten must be five years of age on or before September 1 of the year in which he or she seeks admission

Profile of a Saint Helena Graduate

Upon the successful completion of our education program, Saint Helena students will spread the Mercy tradition from a firm understanding of the following areas:

Spiritual

• The legacy of Catherine McAuley
• Awareness of the presence of God through daily prayer
• The Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy

Moral

• Distinguish right from wrong, recognize peer pressure and resist just going along for acceptance
• Honest, ethical, empathic, and selfless behavior
• All actions have consequences

Intellectual

• Communicate effectively
• Ability to reason in real world situations
• Establish short and long-term goals
• Use technology efficiently and effectively

Social

• How to be a positive and contributing member of society
• Establish peaceful conflict resolution practices
• Maintain and nurture long-term relationships

Cultural

• Appreciation, tolerance, and respect for all cultures and religions
• Appreciate the diversity of other cultures

Curriculum

Religion

Textbooks: Grades K-6- We Believe with Project Disciple, pub. by Sadlier

Grades 7 and 8- We Believe/ We Live Our Faith

The entire Saint Helena Parish community puts itself at the service of the family to nurture the faith of their children.  This is a spiral curriculum that presents key concepts of faith each year in a deeper and broader way as the learner grows more capable of understanding discipleship.

ELA (English language Arts)

Kindergarten to Grade 6

Into Reading – published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Into Reading is a research based, comprehensive Reading Language Arts program for grades K-6 that provides the resources needed to help all students succeed. High-quality literature, along with explicit instruction and reinforcement, ensures that students grow as life-long readers and writers.  This comprehensive, research-based reading program offers a wealth of high-quality literature to engage learners.  Nonfiction selections help students grow in evidence-based reading and writing skills and critical thinking.  Lessons integrate grammar, writing, and spelling for a total language arts approach.

Teachers implement the steps of the writing process to help students develop their writing skills.  They also supplement the curriculum with various chapter books to provide additional student engagement and learning opportunities.

Grades 7 and 8- Literature Common Core Edition, Published by Prentice Hall

Literature opens minds. It should also open doors to a student’s future. Prentice Hall Literature Common Core Edition is a comprehensive literacy program that teaches the new standards and helps students become better readers, better writers, and better thinkers so they’re better prepared for college, careers, and beyond. You can be confident that what you are teaching meets the Common Core framework.

• Leveled support and scaffolding for understanding increasingly complex texts
• Informational texts across content areas
• Emphasis on writing argumentative, informative/explanatory, and narrative texts
• Critical thinking and higher-order thinking skills presented in instruction
• Traditional and performance-based assessments
• Best-in-class digital resources
• Teacher training to implement the new standards
• Leveled support and scaffolding for understanding increasingly complex texts
• Informational texts across content areas
• Emphasis on writing argumentative, informative/explanatory, and narrative texts
• Critical thinking and higher-order thinking skills presented in instruction
• Traditional and performance-based assessments
• Best-in-class digital resources

 

Mathematics- K-8- Into Math, published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Into Math continues to challenge and foster the strength of our Mathematics Programs.  It also includes wonderful, easy to use, online components which are a tremendous help to our Faculty, Students and Parents alike!

The math curriculum is comprised of a variety of strands as recommended by the Curriculum and Evaluation Standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Standards For K-12 Mathematics Programs in PA.  The standards included in this guide are: readiness concepts, number theory, problem solving, operations, mental math, estimation, geometry, measurement, reasoning skills, using data and statistics, probability, and pre-algebra skills.

IXL:  An On-Line Math Program, available for children in Grades Pre K through Grade 8 is an invaluable tool for strengthening our children’s mathematical capacity.

Students identified as able to work at an accelerated pace at the end of 3rd grade may be admitted to the Elementary Honors Math Program.   The criteria for admission are determined by the Office of Catholic Education and are not arbitrary.  The student must have:

• CSI (Cognitive Skills Index) in the range of 125 or better (118 or higher)
• Terra Nova Scores:  Math at or above 90%, Reading at or above 80%
• Consistent high scores on the Diocesan Mastery Tests.

 

Science- Savvas Learning Company

Our curriculum is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and STEM learning.  Savvas Science materials, instruction, and assessments engage students in real-world, natural phenomena.  Students build scientific knowledge by applying Disciplinary Core Ideas, Science and Engineering Practices, and Cross-Cutting Concepts through inquiry- based learning.

We use the Scientific Method, the most highly recommended method of instruction.  Using this method, students may achieve six categories of objectives.  Knowledge is the ability to read and state the meaning of certain scientific principles.  Using this knowledge, students will develop the instrumental skills of manipulating basic scientific equipment, interpreting maps, graphs, charts, and tables appropriate to problems.  Of particular importance is the development of problem solving skills.  To demonstrate these skills, students will practice observing, inferring, making hypothesis, testing, investigating, drawing conclusions, measuring, and communicating results.  Students will further demonstrate scientific attitudes such as the development of open mindedness and a willingness to consider new facts.  To describe the uses, benefits, and limitations of science today, students will develop an appreciation of Science and an interest in reading, studying, and becoming involved in scientific pursuits.

 

Social Studies

The scope and sequence includes:  Awareness of Self, Family Life, Neighborhoods, Communities, Pennsylvania, United States Regions, Western Hemisphere, Eastern Hemispheres, and United States History.

 Art 

Our Art Express program is taught by volunteer parents on each grade level and exposes students to a variety of art techniques and media: drawing, watercolor, mixed media, charcoal, sculpture, painting, etc.

Technology

For our students to become functionally successful in today’s community and tomorrow’s world, we emphasize the computer as a tool, rather than an object to program.  Software used for learning at St. Helena include: the internet, word processing, database spreadsheet, and presentation packages.  An Acceptable Use Policy for the Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is distributed to each family at the beginning of the school year.  Students are expected to abide by the conditions set forth for Internet usage.

Music

Students attend weekly music classes to learn theory, composition, history, genres, and vocal techniques.  They prepare school liturgies and various school performances, grade specific productions,  the Christmas Show, the Spring Show, and participate in the Spring Arts Festival.  Private lessons for piano, voice, percussion, string and band instruments are also available.

Physical Education

We view the goal of physical education as an understanding and acceptance of the capabilities and limitations of one’s body.  Physical education is vital to the development of the total child.  We affirm the value of group play and cooperation, which teach respect for one another.

Dance 

Dance lessons are available for boys and girls in Grades K-8. Ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, modern, liturgical, and hip-hop techniques are available for learning.  Dance terminology and anatomy will be discussed. Dance students are showcased in the Parish Christmas Concert and the Spring Arts Festival.

Spanish

Spanish is taught to all students in Grades 3-8, enabling them to have a broader world view and an understanding of our multi-cultural reality.

 

Honor Roll

Students in Grades 7 and 8 may qualify for First or Second Honors according to the following standards:

• First Honors:  A grade of 93 or above in the student’s General Average.  A mark of Satisfactory or above (3 or 4) in Effort and Conduct , Physical Education, Computer, Music, Art, and Spanish.
• Second Honors:  A grade of 85 or above in the student’s General Average.  A mark of Satisfactory or above (3 or 4) in Effort and Conduct, Physical Education, Computer, Music, Art, and Spanish.

Tests/Assessments

All tests and assessments are to be signed by a parent/guardian and returned promptly.

Remedial Services

Montgomery County Intermediate Unit

Act 89/ Title 1

These programs provide remedial, corrective or developmental skill reinforcement.  Students are considered for these programs based on performance on Terra Nova tests, assessments given by the MCIU, and classroom teacher recommendation, and/or parental request. 

Speech and Language Services Children are identified for services when standards of sound production, fluency, language use, form or content fall below normal standards for age and ability.  Referrals for evaluation are initiated by staff, parents/guardians, or the children themselves.  Evaluation and therapy are only provided after consent of the parent/guardian.

Reading and Math Services are provided on days as authorized by the MCIU.  These services are coordinated with the classroom teacher to provide maximum benefit for the student.  Service is only provided after consent of the parent/guardian.

Counseling and Psychological Services

The school counselor provides services by consulting with administration, faculty and parents/guardians.  Both individual and group counseling are available. The counselor recommends suitable referrals when needed.

After appropriate consultation students may be eligible for educational and psychological testing.  The school psychologist consults with the administration, faculty, and parents/guardians to prepare for testing.  After testing, the psychologist meets with parents/guardians to review results.  After parental permission is secured, recommendations are shared with the administration and faculty to provide the student with assistance.

 

TOPICS FOR PARENTAL ATTENTION AND COOPERATION

School Hours

Every student is expected to be on school grounds by 8:05 a.m.  The first bell rings at 8:10 a.m.  Students will be marked late if they do not walk in with their class.  The school day concludes at 3:00 p.m.

Transportation

There are four (3) modes of transportation for your child:

• Walk, Private car, Take the bus

If there is a change in the child’s mode of transportation, the teacher must be notified in writing or e-mail.  Children may not be transported by a school bus other than the one they have been assigned.  This is a State Regulation, a parental note will not change this regulation.  If your child is to go to another child’s home, the parents must arrange for private car transportation only.

Car Access

If you are dropping off and/or picking up your children by private car, parents are asked not to enter the school building unless it is an emergency. The required procedure is as follows:

AM Passenger Car/Parent Drop-Off Instructions

1. Passenger cars with SHS students must enter the Parish property from the Yost Road “entrance only” driveway.
2. Cars follow the one-way circulation road around the perimeter of the upper parking lot.
3. Cars turn left into the upper parking lot at the drive aisle closest to the grass area that separates the lower lot from the upper lot.  Cars will be driving toward Yost Road, and stop at the furthest point possible, where the parking lot/teacher monitor is directing the driver to stop & unload.  The monitor will then guide the school children safely to the lower lot.
4. Adults need to remain in the vehicle and allow the faculty or staff member to assist your child/ren. After unloading, cars may exit the Parish property by one of two ways, paying close attention to the safety of all pedestrians and not pulling out of the queue of unloading traffic.
5. By turning right and heading toward the school along the perimeter road of the parking areas closest to Yost Road, turning left at the stop “exit only” drive aisle in front of the school, and then exiting onto Yost Road; or
6. By turning left and heading toward the “entrance only” circulation driveway at the rear of the upper lot, yield to incoming traffic from Yost Road, and circulate counterclockwise around the school parking lot to the dead-end at the front of the school, and turning right to exit at the traffic signal on Rt. 202 at the far north end of the Parish property.

PM Passenger Car/Parent Pick-up Instructions

1. Passenger Cars to pick-up SHS school children at the end of the school day need to enter the Parish property from the Yost Road “entrance only” driveway.
2. Cars will follow the one-way circulation road around the perimeter of the upper parking lot in a counterclockwise direction.
3. Cars will turn into the lower and upper parking lots according to the youngest child’s color (Red- Grades K and 1, Blue– Grade 2, Green– Grade 3 , Yellow– Grade 4, and Orange– Grades 5 and 6, and White – Grades 7 and 8 and drive toward Yost Road to the rear of the queue and take that place in line. The  Red, Blue,and Green Lanes are on the bottom lot. The Red Lane is closest to the school building. The Yellow, Orange and White Lanes are on the top lot.
4. As drive-lanes fill, cars will form a new lane by pulling to the furthest location at the Yost Road end of the lower parking lot.
5. As SHS children are released, drivers will take children to their vehicles and load them for immediate departure.
6. All cars are directed by a teacher/parking lot monitor to exit from a single location at the front “exit only” driveway of the school.  The lane of cars closest to the school will be directed to the exit, followed by the 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, etc.

We ask for your cooperation in this matter to insure the safety of our children.  If you unexpectedly will be picking your child up from car line, please call the office before 2:45 p.m.  We will direct your child to the correct dismissal line.

Children not picked up by 3:15 p.m. or 12:15 p.m. (on half days) will be sent to CARES, our fee-based after school program.

Inclement Weather

Saint Helena School follows Wissahickon School District for closings or delays.

You will receive an email and phone call through FACTS COMMUNICATION System to notify you of school cancellations; early dismissals and late openings.  If the district makes the decision to close midday, we must send your child home on the bus if that is the regular means of transportation. CARES will not be available on early dismissal days due to inclement weather. We advise the parents to have a back-up plan for their children in case there is no one home on a weather-related early dismissal. 

We ask that you not call the school to confirm an unscheduled midday dismissal.  These calls tie up the phone lines as staff are waiting for the decisions from the many school districts regarding an emergency early dismissal decision.  However, we will be happy to facilitate any emergency call if necessary.  

Late Opening

Families living outside of the Wissahickon School District should check their home district weather decision to determine morning transportation availability.  Generally:

• If your home district is operating under the same opening schedule as Wissahickon, busing is provided.
• If your home district is not delayed but Wissahickon is delayed, no busing will be provided.  Students should be driven to school according to the delay timeline or reported absent if no car transport is available.  Students are not marked absent in this instance.
• If your home district is delayed but Wissahickon is not, students may be driven to school for a regular 8:10am start or may wait for their district bus according to the delayed start time.  Students are not marked late in this instance.
• Walkers and car riders are to adhere to the same delay schedule as the Wissahickon School District.  Students should not arrive at school before 9:45am if we are on a 2 hour delay.

All districts will provide transportation home at our regular dismissal time as long as the district was not closed for the entire day.

Early Dismissal in Emergencies

Individual public school districts determine if and when to close early due to weather.

Tuition/Fee Policy: 
As the parent/guardian of the enrolled child(ren), I agree to make timely tuition payments as required by the tuition plan I have chosen.  I understand that if I fail to comply with my tuition payment obligation, my child(ren) may be removed from the roll of Saint Helena School and the parish may seek recovery of any amounts not paid. Records will not be sent to grade schools and/or high schools until tuition is paid in full. 

School Uniform

Each student is required to be in complete uniform each day.   Disregard of the uniform policy will warrant a conduct referral.  A note must be sent to both the principal and the teacher requesting permission to be excused, and stating the dire reason the student is out of uniform.

All clothing items are to be purchased at FlynnO’Hara Uniform Company.  No other vendor is authorized to supply our uniforms. SHS Home and School Association volunteers maintain a used uniform closet at the school.  We urge you to check out the resources other SHS families provide to ease the expense of our school uniforms.

Students need to be presentable at all times.  Traditionally, the hallmark of Catholic school students was their distinguished appearance in uniform, which placed emphasis on the equality of the student body and on learning in school rather than dressing for school.  At SHS, the administration and faculty believe our students can learn that attention to studies, sports, and creative activities can start with attention to how they present themselves.

At a minimum:

• All shirttails and blouses are go be tucked in.
• School sweaters need to be worn with the winter uniform. Boys are required to wear their pants securely at their waists.  If needed, a belt should be worn to keep pants up.
• Girls’ hems on skirts and tunics should be a modest length.  Modest, by SHS standards, requires hems not to exceed 3″ above the kneecap.  No lightweight jacket or SHS full zip fleece jacket may be worn in place of the school sweater(s) as part of the uniform.
• Students may not mix and match pieces from the new uniform with pieces from the old uniform.

  All children are expected to wear the new uniform by the fall of 2026. The uniforms consists of the following articles of clothing:

School Uniform

Boys and Girls  PreK 3 and PreK4

All PreK children will wear the Saint Helena School Gym uniform. The gym uniform may be purchased at FlynnO’Hara. -Summer Uniform- yellow gym shirt, green shorts, crew socks over the ankle, and sneakers. Winter Uniform– yellow gym shirt, green sweat pants, and green sweatshirt, crew socks over the ankle, and sneakers.

Boys K-8

Summer School Uniform– white or green banded polo shirt with khaki shorts, white or black crew socks (must be over the ankle), shoes listed on FlynnO’Hara site.

Summer Gym Uniform– yellow gym shirt, FlynnO’Hara green shorts, crew socks over the ankle, and sneakers. – Spirit wear and field day shirts may not be worn on gym days.

Winter School Uniform– white or green long sleeve or short sleeve banded polo shirt, green ¼ zip sweater, khaki pants, white, tan, or black socks, and shoes listed on the FlynnO’Hara site.

Winter Gym Uniform– Yellow gym shirt, green sweatpants, green sweatshirt, socks over the ankle, and sneakers.  Gym uniform shorts may be worn under the sweatpants. Spirit wear and field day shirts may not be worn on gym days.

Girls K-4

Summer School Uniform– white or green banded polo shirt with khaki shorts/skort or green pincord jumper with white short sleeve peter pan color blouse, white socks over the ankle, and shoes listed on the FlynnO’Hara site. Blouses, not polos, need to be worn with the pincord jumper.

Summer and Winter Gym Uniform– same as listed under boys K-8. 

Winter School Uniform– drop waist jumper with white short sleeve or long sleeve peterpan color blouse, green crewneck cardigan, green knee socks or green tights, and shoes listed on FlynnO’Hara site. Blouses, not polos, need to be worn with the jumper. Girls may also wear khaki pants, white short sleeve or long sleeve polo, green crewneck cardigan or green ¼-zip sweater, white or tan crew socks, and shoes listed on the FlynnO’Hara site.

Girls 5-8

Summer School Uniform– white or green short sleeve banded polo shirt with khaki shorts/skort or plaid wrap–around kilt/ plaid 2 pleat skort or green pincord skirt with white, green or black crew socks, and shoes listed on FlynnO’Hara site.

Summer and Winter Gym Uniform– same as listed under boys K-8. FlynnO’Hara Green shorts may not be shortened. 

Winter School Uniform– white or green short or long sleeve polo shirt, plaid wrap-around kilt, 2 pleat skort, green ¼ zip sweater, green knee socks or tights- Girls in Grades 6-8 must wear green tights.  Girls may also wear white or green short or long sleeve polo shirt, green ¼-zip sweater, khaki pants, white or tan socks– shoes listed on FlynnO’Hara site.

Belts need to be worn with the shorts and pants.

The plaid uniform (jumper, skirt, or skort) may be worn in the summer, too.  The material is for all seasons. The green cord jumper, cord skirt, khaki shorts, and khaki skort are for the summer only.

Please do not shorten your daughter’s skirt.  Skirts may be no shorter than 3 inches above the knee.

 *Girls in Grades 6-8 need to wear green tights with the kilt or plaid skort in the winter.

The sweater is part of the winter uniform for all children.

All children need to wear the new uniform by September 2026. The old uniforms may not be worn.

 

School Shoe – Tan/brown colored merrells or tan bucks, black leather mary-janes (girls K-4)

Shoes may be purchased at:

• Flocco’s, 110 Fayette St, Conshohocken, Pa , Phone: (610) 828-5544
• FlynnO’Hara’s, 901 North Bethlehem Pike, Springhouse, PA 19477 (215) 793-9436

 

Dress Down Days

On specifically designated “Dress Down Days”, students are permitted to dress out of uniform.  The following guidelines are to be followed:

• Students will dress modestly.
• Crop tops, regardless of weather, are not permitted.
• Shirts with inappropriate verbiage are not permitted.
• Shorts must be no shorter than the Gym Uniform shorts issued by Flynn O’Hara.

Any student coming to school with inappropriate clothing will be given a uniform from our uniform closet or will be asked to call home for a change of clothing.

Make-Up

Girls in Grades 7 and 8 may wear light make-up that is appropriate for school.  Only clear or sheer nail polish may be worn to school.  No press-on or glue-on nails may be worn. No dark colored nail polish may be worn. No tattoos or drawings of any kind (temporary or otherwise) may be visible on an SHS student at school. 

 

Jewelry

Because of the high possibility of loss, we ask that very limited types of jewelry be worn in school.  The school will not be responsible for any lost jewelry.  The following jewelry is permitted:

• Girls may wear one thin necklace with a religious medal.
• Girls may wear small, pierced earrings.  Oversized hoops or long dangling earrings are not permitted.  Bracelets are not permitted.
• Boys may not wear earrings at any time in school.

Hair Appearance

All SHS students are expected to have clean, neatly styled hair at school.  The required guidelines for grooming are:

• Boys’ hair may not touch the shirt collar.
• Bangs need to be above the eyebrows and clearly out of their line of vision.
• Girls’ hair must be out of their line of vision.
• Girls may wear accessories that match their uniform, and are limited to barrettes, ponytail elastics, and headbands.  It is recommended, but not required, that girls with long hair use an accessory to keep their long hair neat and out of their way during school.
• No hair extensions, feather, or use of hair dye is permitted.

Students who do not follow these guidelines will be sent home until their hair is within the required guidelines set forth for all students at SHS.

Lunch

Lunch may be brought to school or may be purchased in the school cafeteria.  Parents will be notified of menus, prices, and the official start of the lunch program in mid-September.  To aid in keeping the tables neat and help reduce trash.  we ask each student to bring a cloth napkin or placemat for their lunch setting each day.

Conduct Code

Our school’s rootedness in Gospel values holds that we strive to have respect for ourselves, our classmates, our teachers, and any adult standing in place of a teacher (teacher-aides, lunch and recess aides, bus drivers, Parish staff, etc.).  This respect also includes property and personal belongings.  Any breach of these values in school will result in disciplinary action appropriate to the situation. For the purpose of clarity, “school” includes school buildings, school grounds, and school-sponsored social events, trips, sporting events, buses, and bus stops.

Discipline

A student enrolled at Saint Helena School assumes total responsibility for personal conduct. Discipline is considered an aspect of development, not a form of punishment.  Since there are times when a student may find it difficult to achieve appropriate self-discipline, it is necessary for the school to indicate specific unacceptable behavior for which discipline is necessary. An Incident Report or a Conduct Referral is issued when a student fails to obey school regulations in the classroom, schoolyard, cafeteria, library, hall, bathroom, gym class, church, or for misconduct anywhere in the school or school premises. Chewing gum is not permitted on school property at any time. 

Incident Reports

Incident Reports may be issued for: failure to complete homework and school assignments; not getting test signed; lateness for class; improper use of technology; chewing gum; uniform infractions; as a warning for inappropriate behavior; or for incidents at the teacher’s discretion.  If a student repeatedly receives and Incident Report for the same infraction, a Conduct Referral will be issued.

An Incident Report may also be issued to report positive behavior.  An Incident Report through FACTS is a way for both the parent and all the student’s teachers to keep track of a student’s progress during the school year.  A student’s homeroom teacher can view all incident reports when completing a student’s report card.

Conduct Referral

A Conduct Referral is used for more serious infractions and may be issued for a child’s use of profanity, racial slurs, disrespect, harassment, bullying and/or teasing of any kind towards students, volunteers, teachers, or staff,  fighting, misbehavior at Mass, forgery, cheating, stealing, improper use of technology, throwing of food in the cafeteria, inappropriate behavior on the school bus, visibility of a cell phone or smartwatch on school property, after being warned several times to stop a certain activity during instruction, consistently receiving an incident report for the same infraction, and for incidents at the teacher’s discretion. After a child receives 3 conduct referrals, a meeting with the principal is required.

Students may not do anything detrimental to the school’s reputation or students at any time, whether during or after school hours.  Serious offenses will require a parent conference with the principal.

Incident Reports and Conduct Referrals are cumulative and totaled throughout the school year. A child’s Personal Growth/Conduct Grade will be a reflection of these reports.  A grade of 1 or 2 in Personal Growth/Conduct automatically disqualifies a student from school honors. A detention will be issued if certain behaviors persists. For serious offenses or for consistent misbehavior, it may be necessary to conference with the parents, student, teacher, and principal.

Contraband brought to school will result in immediate suspension or expulsion.  Contraband is defined as cigarettes, vapes, drugs, and anything that can be used as a weapon. The school reserves the right to search any property of a student on school grounds.

 Cell Phones, smart watches, or other electronic devices are not permitted in school or on field trips without permission from the administration. Children and parents in Grades 3-8 will be asked to sign a contract regarding cell phones, smart phones, and the use of social media.  All cell phones and smart phones brought to school must be kept in a locked box in the homeroom.  The cell phones and smart watches will be returned to the child at the end of the school day.   Kindle and Nooks may be brought to school to be used for reading materials as long as email access is NOT AVAILABLE on the device.  You may do this at your own risk; SHS does not take responsibility for these devices.

Harassment and/or Bullying

Saint Helena School is committed to creating a safe, caring, respectful learning environment for all members of the school community.   A safe, secure, and respectful educational environment is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards and build appropriate relationships with others.

It has always been and continues to be the policy of Saint Helena School that harassment and/or bullying in school in any form anywhere is unacceptable conduct, and it will most definitely not be tolerated at our school.

Bullying involves actions or words against another person for the purpose of inflicting physical or emotional harm or discomfort or damage to a person’s reputation that is intimidating or threatening and affects the learning and school environments.  Bullying is a pattern of aggressive, intentional or deliberately hostile behavior that occurs repeatedly and over time. Bullying behaviors normally fall into three categories, physical, emotional, and verbal, and may include, but are not limited to, intimidation, assault; extortion; oral or written threats; teasing; putdowns; name-calling; threatening looks; gestures, or actions; rumors; false accusations; hazing, social isolation, and cyber-bullying.

If the bully is threatening harm, a student should tell a teacher or the principal immediately. Any acts involving a weapon will be reported to the local police.  Threats of violence and/or acts of violence through either technology or personal confrontation may also be reported to the local police.

The principal and faculty will deal with any issues involving harassment, bullying, intimidation, hazing, or similar circumstances. Reports of bullying will be investigated promptly and thoroughly by the school administration.  Anyone who engages in harassment/bullying will be subject to appropriate sanctions, up to and including expulsion.

School personnel cannot monitor the activities of students at all times and eliminate all incidents of bullying between students, particularly when students are not under their direct supervision. However, to the extent such conduct affects the educational environment of the school and the rights and welfare of the students and is within the control of the school in its normal operations, it is the school’s intent to prevent bullying.

Saint Helena will take action to investigate, respond, discipline, and remediate those acts of bullying brought to its attention.  There will be no retaliation against a victim, reporter, or witness.  Any student (victim or bystander, parent or another adult) may initiate a complaint by making the school aware of continued incidents. Reports of bullying are taken seriously and shall be dealt with quickly and effectively.

A student under investigation will be suspended from school until the investigation is completed.  If a student is found guilty of bullying behavior, the consequences shall depend on both the results of the investigation and the severity of the incident. Consequences may include, but are not limited to mediation, a parent conference, counseling, suspension, expulsion, or referral to local law enforcement agency. 

Cyber-bullying is included in this policy and will not be tolerated at Saint Helena School.  Cyber-bullying includes but is not limited to the following misuses of technology:

• Harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening, or terrorizing another person by sending or posting inappropriate and hurtful email messages, instant messages, text messages, TikTok posts, digital pictures or images , or website postings, including blogs.
• The author (poster or sender) of the inappropriate material is often disguised (logged on) as someone else.

Students who believe they have been the victims of such misuses of technology, as described in this policy, should not erase the offending material from the system. A copy of the material should be printed and brought to the attention of the school who shall fully investigate all reports of cyber bullying.

Any threatening, harassing, or violent acts by students or parents would constitute ground for immediate dismissal of the student.  In the case of student, we will investigate all such incidents promptly and confidentially.

Suspension

If a child is suspended from school, it will be reflected on your child’s report card in the area of Personal Growth and/or Conduct. In school or out of school suspension may be used for serious infractions, such as stealing, fighting, vandalism, not following the Acceptable Use Policy for Technology, repeated student harassment, repeated infractions, or an incident at the principal’s discretion.

If a child is suspended, the child’s participation in CYO Sports/Dances or any other school-sponsored event is not permitted during that time period. Suspension automatically disqualifies a student from school honors.

Expulsion.

This action will be taken when it is necessary to protect the safety and good order of the school environment or to assist the student in overcoming a serious disciplinary problem.

Transfers

We do accept transfers if there is room in a particular classroom.  Records will be requested in order to see that we can meet a student’s needs.  We do reserve the right to ask parent(s) to withdraw their child after 30 days if we find our reasonable attempts to accommodate the child are not working. 

Parent Visitation

Visitors are most welcome by appointment.  To arrange for a visit, visitors should contact the school office. 

In an effort to encourage children’s responsibility for items they need for school, -assignments, books, tests, projects, and water bottles will not be delivered to a child’s teacher during the school day.   Classes may not be disturbed for these reasons. If your child is not comfortable using the water fountain, we will provide him/her with a small disposable cup for a sip of water.  Please do not come to school with your child’s work or water bottle.   

Parents may not confer with a teacher or visit a classroom between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. without a pre-arranged appointment or unless the Principal gives permission for such a visit. 

When parents come to school, we ask that they come to the school office first.  An atmosphere of quiet respect for the learning rights of others should prevail throughout the school building.  To avoid confusion, we ask that parents not be in the hallways at the beginning of the school day or at dismissal time.  This is necessary to protect each child’s safety.

Water Bottles

If your child brings a water bottle to school, it should be a reasonable size, be secured at the top without an open straw, and MUST fit inside the pocket of the child’s backpack.   Water bottles will be kept in the closet of your child’s classroom. Children will not have water bottles at their desks. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Parent Conferences

Formal parent conferences will be held in the fall.  Parents or teachers may request a conference at any time during the school year.  If you wish a conference with a teacher, please put that request in writing to the teacher or call the school office and the teacher will return your call at a convenient time.  Teachers are not to be telephoned at their own homes.

Absence

In order to protect your child’s safety, an email or a call to the school office on the day of absence is required.  Please call the school office (610-279-3345) between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. or send an e-mail to Mrs. Tronoski mtronoski@sainthelenaschool.org and Miss Britt dbritt@sainthelenaschool.org. Please remember to include your child’s teacher in that e-mail. 

A written note explaining the reason for the absence is required the day the child returns to school. 

A student will be sent home from school if she/he has an elevated temperature or is vomiting.  If a child is absent more than three consecutive days, a doctor’s note is required.

Children are not to miss more than 10% of school days during the school year. This translates to no more than 18 absences for the year, unless there is a doctor’s note to explain an extended illness.

If a child needs to leave school due to a doctor’s appointment or for another urgent reason, that will be marked as an absence, even if it is only for a portion of the day.  A note is to be sent to the office and to the teacher stating the time of the appointment and the time the child will return.  The child is to be picked up from the office, not the classroom and be returned via the office.

If a child is absent, it is the child’s responsibility to complete missed assignments.  These assignments may be found daily on the school’s website.  In the case of prolonged illness, certainly every consideration will be given to the child to provide the assistance he/she needs in order to fulfill assigned tasks during the absence.

If a child will be out of school for a family vacation, the principal and the teachers involved need to be notified of these plans prior to the trip.  Missed assignments will be given upon returning to school.  A timeline will be established by the teacher for the child to complete the work.

Students that miss excessive school days without a physician’s note or known valid reason will be considered truants and retention or dismissal will be considered.

Change in Afternoon Transportation

Students will be sent home via their usual form of transportation unless we receive a letter or email from a parent stating a change. We ask all changes in afternoon transportation to be communicated via email to Mrs. Tronoski mtronoski@sainthelenaschool.org and Miss Britt dbritt@sainthelenaschool.org by 2:30 PM. 

WHEN TO KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME FROM SCHOOL 

Sick children need to be kept home from school.  Resting at home will help them get better more quickly and will prevent them from exposing other children or the staff to their illness.

Keep your child home and consult with your child’s Primary Care Provider if he or she:

1.      Has a temperature greater than 100⁰F taken with an oral thermometer.

2.      Has nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting

3.      Has diarrhea (frequent, loose, watery stools) Symptoms may include cramps, bloating, nausea and an urgent need to have a bowel movement.

4.      Has stomach pain that is constant.

5.      Has a headache that is interfering with activities

6.      Has a sore throat that causes difficulty swallowing

7.      Has yellow discharge on eye lashes in the morning that comes back after being wiped off of lashes and eyes that are red (Pink eye / conjunctivitis)

8.      Has a skin rash that causes itching and/or is on most of the body (Not diagnosed as psoriasis)

9.      Has a constant cough and/or difficulty breathing

10. Is complaining of feeling ill, has a lack of energy and/or a decrease in activity

What will happen if your child gets sick at school?

If your child gets sick at school he/she will be seen by office personnel or school nurse.  If the office/school nurse determines your child is sick, then you will be called to come pick him/her up.  Therefore, it is important that you provide the school with up-to-date information and phone numbers.  If you are not available to pick up your child within 30 minutes, it is important that the school have emergency contact phone numbers of persons that can pick up your child in your absence.

When may your child return to school?

Your child may return to school when symptoms (e.g. vomiting or diarrhea) are gone for 24 hours or if your child has taken the antibiotic prescribed by the health provider for a full twenty-four hours.  If your child has been ill for more than 3 days documentation from your health care provider will be needed.  Please keep your child home until his or her fever has been gone for 24 hours without medication.

If a child is absence or leaves school early due to illness, he/she is not eligible to participate in any after school or evening school-related activity.

Lateness

If a child is late for school, it will be marked on the child’s report card.  Please keep in mind children’s school records are sent to high schools.

Homework

Homework will be given Monday through Thursday evenings.  Long term projects may necessitate weekend work.  If homework is not completed on time, parents will be notified either in writing or by phone.  Conduct referrals will be issued for repeated infractions of this policy.  The following table may assist you in estimating the approximate time necessary to complete home assignments:

 

Grades 1 – 2:           15 to 30 minutes                    Grade 4:                  45 to 60 Minutes

Grade 3:                  30 to 45 minutes                    Grade 5-8:               90 to 120 minutes

 

Homework will be listed on the website each evening.

 

Information Changes

If during the course of the school year there is any change of address or phone number, please inform the school office in writing and update your ParentWeb contact information so that our records are kept current.

 

Telephone

A child may not receive telephone calls at school.  If it is urgent, a message may be delivered to a child through the school office.  A child may call home with the direct permission of the Principal.

 

Middle States Information

We are now listed on the Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools website.  To access this site please go to www.cess-msa.org.  Go to ‘The Registry’ and double click.  Scroll to the bottom of the page and you will see Search Criteria.  Enter Helena for the school name.  Click on the SEARCH button and scroll down.  Double click on Saint Helena, Center Square, PA.

 

Communications

Going along with our Care of the Earth program, we are going to make a valiant effort to minimize communication on paper and increase electronic communication.  In order to fulfill this dream, we need to be sure that everyone has given us correct email information.  If you have any email address changes during the school year, please inform the school office and update your ParentWeb contact information.  We will send an email blast to each email registered as correspondence in our FACTS SIS and post information to our school website.  It will be your responsibility to regularly check your email in order to be aware of school happenings.

 

Asbestos Information

Please be advised that we are required to notify all employees and parents on a yearly basis that St. Helena has and maintains an asbestos program as required by the Asbestos Emergency Response Act of 1986.  St. Helena School has developed and maintains an Asbestos Inspection and Management Plan. It is contained and controlled and not in any student contact areas. A copy of the plan is available for inspection at the parish during regular office hours in our business office.  Our Asbestos Program manager is Mr. Terence McKenna.  All inquiries regarding the plan may be addressed to:

Keating Environmental Management, Inc.

Contact: Mr. Terence McKenna

Phone 610-594-2600 ext. 203

 

All Our Invited To Attend

“Our parish school admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at our school. Similar policies apply to the school staff. Our school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national, and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, its admission policies, or in any school-administered program.”

RESPONSIBLE USE POLICY FOR TECHNOLOGY

Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

 

Revised August 2026

 

The heart of our curriculum is timeless ~ love, truth, beauty, mercy. We teach about creation as well as the Creator. We educate on being in solidarity with those who suffer and how to cultivate a prayerful life.

 

In his message for the 48^th World Communications Day, Pope Francis said that technology is a “gift from God.” The Pope challenged the Church to use this tool to promote the faith, asking how communication can “be at the service of an authentic culture of encounter?” Because of these things we are committed to participating in society. And to be committed to such participation requires using technology in appropriate ways.

 

We are interested in technology because of our faith.

 

We expect our students to utilize technology to think more critically, to communicate effectively, to express their creativity, and to conduct research. Our teachers have access to updated technology in their classrooms to engage our students and challenge them to learn in ways not previously imaginable. We empower students with the technical skills necessary to participate in a culture that is increasingly dependent upon technology, while also challenging them to be digital ambassadors spreading the Good News.

 

But it is our faith that guides how we use technology.

 

We teach our students about the ethics of technology and train them to be savvy about things like Internet privacy and safety. We teach the unfortunate reality of technology addiction. We remind students and parents that technology is aggressively marketed and to be careful about getting caught up in the hype.

 

We also acknowledge that we sometimes need to “unplug” from technology as it can cause us to become isolated from one another. We encourage family meals without screen time and the importance of communicating face to face.

 

We greatly value technology in our schools. And what makes technology most powerful, is when it serves to make our students better people!

 

RESPONSIBLE USE POLICY FOR TECHNOLOGY

 

Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

 

PURPOSE

 

Technology is a valuable educational tool. All Archdiocese of Philadelphia schools will educate all students about appropriate online behavior, including: interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms, cyber bullying awareness and response to ensure an appropriate use of technology, including video conferencing platforms. The policy outlined below applies to all technology use including but not limited to Internet use. The Responsible Use Policy for Technology (RUP) applies to all students, faculty, administrators, staff, volunteers or community members allowed access to school technology resources.

 

SCOPE OF USE

 

We recognize that the digital world allows anytime, anywhere access. Uses mentioned in this policy apply to inside school use and may in certain instances apply to personal technology use and/or uses outside of school. Where personal and/or non-educational use of technology creates substantial disruption in school, including but not limited to harming or interfering with the rights of other students or teachers to participate fully in school or extracurricular activities, these activities may be viewed as a violation of the Responsible Use Policy and may be subject to the disciplinary measure found herein.

 

N.B. The types of electronic and digital communications referenced in this RUP include, but are not limited to, social networking sites, cell phones, mobile computers and devices, digital wearables and cameras, video conferencing platforms, text messaging, email, voice over IP, chat rooms, instant messaging, cloud, and web-based tools.

 

GOALS

 

The school’s goal is to prepare its members for a responsible life in a digital global community. To this end, the school will:

 

• Integrate technology with curriculum to enhance teaching and learning.
• Encourage critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
• Facilitate evaluation and synthesis of information.
• Encourage ethical practices and provide education for Internet safety, digital citizenship and the creation of a positive digital identity.
• Provide a variety of technology-based tools and related technology skills.

 

USER RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Our schools will make every effort to provide a safe environment for learning with technology including Internet filtering and safeguards. The students, faculty, administrators, staff, and school community are granted the privilege of using the computer hardware and software peripherals, and electronic communication tools including the Internet. With this privilege comes the responsibility for appropriate use.

 

In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (AoP), we use information and technology in safe, legal, and responsible ways. We embrace the following conditions or facets of being a digital citizen.

• Respect One’s Self: Responsible users will select online names that are appropriate and will consider the information and images that are posted online.
• Respect Others: Responsible users will refrain from using technologies to bully, harass or defame other people, school personnel and other school related images or likeness.
• Protect One’s Self and Others: Responsible users will protect themselves and others by reporting abuse and not forwarding inappropriate materials or communications. Users will protect their usernames and passwords by not sharing with others.
• Respect Intellectual Property: Responsible users will suitably cite any and all use of websites, books, images, media, or other sources relied upon or used in work created.
• Protect Intellectual Property: Responsible users will request permission to use the software and media others produce and abide by license agreements for all software and resources.

 

Under no circumstances is an AoP user authorized to engage in any activity that is illegal under local, state, federal or international law.

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY USE GUIDELINES AND PERMISSIONS

 

Educational Purpose/ Responsible Use: Technology is to be used to enhance student learning. Students are able to access social networking and gaming sites only under the guidance and supervision of the teacher for the educational outcomes identified within the lesson and given appropriate age.

 

Educational Applications and Online Services: To empower students with the technical skills necessary to participate in a modern culture, our schools utilize various third-party educational applications and “cloud-based” services to enhance teaching and learning. These include, but are not limited to, Google Workspace for Education Core and Additional Services, Learning Management Systems, and other teacher-curated web-based tools.

 

Copyright/Intellectual Property and Identity: All sources obtained for teacher and student work should be properly cited. Users are to respect the rights and intellectual property of others in accordance with Federal Copyright Law. Transferring copyrighted material to or from a school without express permission of the owner is a violation of Federal Law and could result in copyright infringement claims.

 

Responsible Use of School Utilized Hardware/Devices:  All AoP users are responsible for the general care of school utilized hardware, devices and peripherals. Users shall report to the local school tech or school administrators any damage to the school’s hardware or device as soon as possible. Local school policy may further define faculty, staff, and students’ responsibilities and expectations. Users may be held liable for any costs associated with device repair or replacement.

 

BYOD Program: Schools participating in a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program shall adopt local BYOD policies which adhere to the most current AoP BYOD guidelines. Students must sign and adhere to their school’s BYOD responsible use policy. For more information, please refer to the BYOD contract provided by your local school.

 

Communications: Electronic and/or Digital communications with students should be conducted for educationally appropriate purposes and employ only school-sanctioned means of communication. The school-sanctioned communications methods include:

 

• School created teacher web pages, school-issued email and/or school phone number
• Teacher created, educationally focused websites
• Student Information System and Learning Management System
• Remind Communication app – or similar i.e. Class Dojo, Seesaw

 

Teachers, administrators or staff members in their normal responsibilities and duties may be required to contact parents outside of the school day. A teacher, administrator, or staff member may choose to contact parents or guardians using their home phone or a personal cell phone. However, they should not distribute or publish a home phone number or a personal cell phone number. If a student contacts a teacher or administrator using a teacher or administrator’s personal numbers, email or social networking sites, the teacher or administrator shall immediately report this to the administrator or appropriate authorities.

 

*** Teachers, staff, faculty and school administrators may not use a personal email address for any school communications or school-associated account creation. Use of a personal email address is a direct violation of this policy and consequences may include: loss of legal protections, a formal written warning and / or possible dismissal / termination. ***

 

Digital Security: Digital security must be at the forefront of every user’s mindset. All users should always enable the highest level of account security offered. Typically this means enabling two-factor authentication or multi-factor authentication to increase security.  Biometric security features such as fingerprints or face-id may also be utilized to protect an account from unauthorized access. It is strongly recommended that users use two-factor authentication on both school and personal internet accounts.

 

All staff, administrators and teachers at the 15 Archdiocesan high schools and 3 schools of special education must enable and utilize two-factor authentication to log into their school issued accounts.

 

Privacy Policy: All schools must maintain a current privacy policy that is clearly visible and easily accessible on their school website. A publicly available privacy policy is an important component of responsible data stewardship and constituent trust. A basic template for a privacy policy is linked here.

 

• At all times, all users shall take all reasonable precautions to refrain from transmitting, sharing, posting or otherwise divulging any confidential information including, but not limited to: student records, Individual Education Plans, 504 plans, donor or alumni information, financial documentation, test scores, demographic information, personnel files or information, grades, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, parent/guardian contact info and any other personal information for any student, family or staff member.
• All school-owned data both in paper or digital form, including all student, teacher, donor, alumni, and parent / guardian information, is confidential and may not be shared, exported, or disclosed to outside entities, including consultants, vendors, volunteers, or partner organizations, without proper authorization and privacy safeguards.

 

Storage Devices: Use of external removable hard drives, flash or “thumb” drives is strongly discouraged – due to the possibility of information loss, theft and other digital security concerns. The limited use of external drives in special circumstances may be allowed as long as specific attention is given to the security of these devices.

 

Artificial Intelligence: Students are prohibited from utilizing AI software tools such as but not limited to  ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and MS Co-Pilot for any academic or assessment-related purposes. This includes but is not limited to completing assignments, quizzes, or exams. A student may use AI tools only if a teacher or school administrator explicitly gives permission and supervises its use. The unauthorized use of AI programs to complete school assignments is a violation of academic integrity and is subject to disciplinary action. Responsible users will not use any AI program  to create materials and submit them as their own original work.

 

Note – Many of these AI programs require users to be at least 13 years of age for use. Schools should be thorough in their research of the AI programs’ Privacy Policy to check for compliance with COPPA, FERPA, and CUPA laws before introducing AI programs for student use. The AoPTech Team is available to assist in the evaluation of any AI tools or programs.

 

For more information, please refer to the AI policy provided by your local school.

Electronic and Mobile Devices, Cell Phone/Wearable technology: Users must adhere to local school policy that may further define uses of mobile devices. The administrator of the local school will determine permissible use. If a particular mobile device is to be used for an educational purpose, the school administration and/or teacher will provide parameters for this use.

 

Smart Speakers: Primarily intended for at-home consumer use, these always-listening devices are not directly intended for the classroom. Therefore, smart speakers (Echo, Google Nest, etc..) are not to be used in the classroom nor connected to the network on a permanent basis during the academic year.

 

Remote/ Asynchronous / Distance Learning: Remote or distance learning may be used to supplement face-to-face instruction, or where appropriate, may be the primary modality of instruction. To effectively engage in remote or distance learning, users are expected to:

• Participate from an appropriate location in the home.
• To the user’s best ability, be in a well-lit and quiet area. Avoid having windows or strong sources of light directly behind an individual when engaging in teaching/learning on camera.
• Wear appropriate and respectful attire. (This may be more specifically defined by the local school administration.)
• Where able, only use first name and last initial to identify yourself via video conferencing software.
• Students are not to use or preserve a photograph, image, video, including-live streaming, or likeness of any student, or employee without express permission of that individual and of the principal.
• Prior to recording any portion of a live classroom session, instructors are to notify the students who are in the same session, face-to-face or online.
• Live class recordings are meant for internal school use only. Recordings are to be saved locally on a network drive or the school’s GSuite for Education Google Drive. Recordings are to be deleted at the end of the academic year in which they were recorded. Recordings are not for promotional use, rather solely for educational purposes.
• This Responsible Use Policy applies to students using either school issued or personal devices.
• Maintaining hardware/devices provided by the local school is the responsibility of the student/family. (Local school policy may define further students’ responsibilities and expectations.)

 

SPAM/PHISHING EMAIL REPORTING POLICY FOR AOP HIGH SCHOOLS

 

• All users should forward any suspect phishing or malware emails to: techsupport@[yourschooldomain]
• Do NOT click on any embedded links contained within a suspect email.
• Do NOT download or open any attachments included with any suspect email.
• Please alert the local school tech if any links were inadvertently clicked on or if any attached files were downloaded or opened.

 

AUDIO / VIDEO RECORDING

This outlines the prohibition of unauthorized audio or video recording on school grounds and during school-related activities.

This policy protects the privacy of students, staff, and families while fostering a safe and trusting learning environment.

Prohibited Activities:

• Recording of any classroom lesson, meeting, or school event without the prior consent of all participants, including from any involved students, teachers or faculty members is forbidden.
• Prior to any audio or video recording, consent must be obtained from the classroom teacher, appropriate school administrator and/or when applicable, from the students’ parents and guardians.
• Recording phone calls with school personnel, including teachers, administrators, or counselors, without prior notification and consent is forbidden.
• Using any recording device, including smartphones, tablets, iPads, Chromebooks or other dedicated recorders, to capture unauthorized audio in classrooms, common areas, or during school functions is forbidden.

Exceptions

Educational Recordings: Teachers may utilize audio or video recording for approved instructional purposes, such as student presentations or language learning activities, after obtaining the required permission as mentioned above.

Consequences of Violation

Violations of this policy by students may result in disciplinary action, following the student code of conduct. Violations by staff will be addressed through appropriate administrative channels.

 

EXAMPLES OF UNACCEPTABLE TECHNOLOGY USES

RUP violations can include, but are not limited to the following examples:

• Use technology to harass, threaten, deceive, intimidate, offend, embarrass, annoy or otherwise negatively impact any individual.
• Post, publish, disseminate or display any defamatory, inaccurate, violent, abusive, profane or sexually oriented material.
• Users must not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude or threatening language.
• Users must not knowingly or recklessly post or disseminate personal and/or false information about any person, student, staff, teacher, administrator or any other member of the school community or school connected organization.
• Use a photograph, image, video, including-live streaming, or likeness of any student, administrator, employee, volunteer, school image or logo without express permission of that individual and of the principal.
• Create any site, post any photo, image or video of another individual except with the express permission from both that specific individual as well as from the school administrator.
• Attempt to circumvent system security, blocked sites or to bypass software protections – this includes the use of personal or cell phone-based hotspots.
• Effecting security breaches or disruptions of network communication. Security breaches include, but are not limited to, accessing data of which the user is not an intended recipient or logging into a server or account that the user is not expressly authorized to access, unless these duties are within the scope of regular duties. For purposes of this section, “disruption” includes, but is not limited to, network sniffing, pinged floods, packet spoofing, denial of service, and forged routing information for malicious purposes.
• Executing any form of network monitoring which will intercept data not intended for the user, unless this activity is a part of the user’s normal job/duty.
• Circumventing user authentication or security of any host, network or account.
• Any virus or phishing protection software installed on school utilized devices must not be disabled or bypassed.
• The use of any other login credentials other than those assigned to that specific user.
• Deliberately visit a site known for unacceptable material or any material that is not in support of educational objectives.
• Students must not access social networking sites or gaming sites, except for educational purposes under teacher supervision.
• Violate license agreements, copy disks / hard drives, CD-ROMs, or other protected media.
• Use technology for any illegal activity. Use of the Internet for commercial gains or profits is not allowed from an educational site.
• Breach privacy policy confidentiality obligations of school community members.
• Harm the goodwill and reputation of the school or school system. This includes, but is not limited to: the mis-use of school images and logos, creation of unauthorized accounts that suggest they are school-sanctioned, or accounts targeting or impersonating school community members.
• Transmit any material in violation of any local, federal and state laws. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, licensed material and threatening or obscene material.
• Attempt to modify software and/or hardware configurations on a school utilized device without proper permission and direction.
• Any attempt to alter data, the configuration of a school utilized device, or the files of another user, without the consent of the individual, building administrator, or technology administrator, will be considered a violation and subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the local school policies.
• Load personal software onto a school device or school-issued device without proper permission or direction.
• Attempt to make repairs to school issued devices without proper permission and direction.

 

Reporting: Users must immediately report any damage or change to the school’s hardware/software that is noticed by the user.

 

Administrative Rights: The school has the right to monitor usage of school computers and digitally accessed content for all teachers, staff, administrators, students, and volunteers. Due to the evolving nature of technology, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office of Catholic Education reserves the right to amend or supplement this policy at any time without notice.

 

All users should be aware that all computers, network traffic, and internet usage will be monitored. All data users create and store on AoP systems remains the property of the AoP. There is no expectation of privacy or guarantee of confidentiality of the information stored on or accessed via any network, computer, or an electronic device owned by or used for the completion of AoP work and duties.

 

Usage of Social Media

 

This section of the policy refers to social media sites such as, but not limited to: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, Steam, Ask.fm, Snapchat, Discord, Twitch, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

 

Teachers and students may not mention members of the school community on social media without their consent unless the subject is of public concern and the speech falls under applicable constitutional protections. This includes: Posting or sharing a teacher’s, school personnel’s, or another student’s confidential information on public sites, or any other unauthorized sharing with the intention to harm/harass.

The widespread reach of negative posts impacts our classrooms and school communities. They also impact how prospective families and community members perceive our values and morals.

• Examples:
  • Posting teacher’s personal information – such as their personal email address, personal phone number or address.
  • Sharing a fellow student’s phone number without their knowledge and consent in order to harass, threaten, deceive, intimidate, offend, embarrass, annoy or otherwise negatively impact any individual.
  • Manipulating or editing a teacher or student’s photo in an inappropriate manner.
  • Resharing, liking, or otherwise endorsing or promoting posts that violate this policy is considered itself a violation of this policy.

 

“Friending” or “Following” of current students by teachers is forbidden on a teacher’s personal social media site. Teachers should also not ‘friend’ former students unless and until such student has attained the age of majority.  Personal and professional posts must use appropriately respectful speech, and refrain from harassing, defamatory, abusive, discriminatory, threatening or other inappropriate communications.

 

Teachers are encouraged to have professional social media accounts, separate from any personal account. Parents are encouraged to follow those for announcements and resources. Teachers are to inform local administrators as to any class utilizing social media, which should be for educational purposes only. In order to ensure the privacy and security of all students, teachers should refrain from posting on social media any audio, photo or video recording that captures a student’s face or voice without prior parental authorization.

 

Permission must be obtained in advance from school administration for recording on school grounds, outside of the school day, and / or school-sponsored events with the intent to post on personal social media accounts or non-sanctioned school accounts.

 

Social media postings from school-sanctioned accounts should refer to students by their first name and last initial. Schools should NOT link or tag posts to students’ personal accounts.

 

School-sponsored organizations must obtain permission from school administration to create any social media accounts related to the organization. Such accounts should be created with a school-issued email account. Accounts should be maintained and controlled by a minimum of two school-appointed adult moderators.

 

In regards to student athletes and coaches:

• No coach, teacher or administrator is permitted to have access to or control of a student’s personal social media account.
• Students should never include their email nor their cellphone number in their social media bios.
• A student’s personal social media account should not be tagged or linked to when posting social media messages.
• Coaches may want to post specific highlights, game / season achievements or accolades on either the coach’s professional page or on a school’s social media page. Students should be mentioned by first name only.
• Per the PIAA bylaws, students, teachers and coaches shall not use social media to criticize contest officials or to promote rumors of questionable practices by opponents. Failure to follow this policy may result in disciplinary action.

 

 

Esports/Gaming Clubs

 

Esports — “electronic sports” — refers to the world of organized, competitive video gaming. Unlike traditional sports, esports are virtual events that can be held both in-person and remotely. Though relatively young compared to other popular sports, the esports industry may be a viable career option for avid gamers, and is gaining participation at the collegiate level as schools seek to recruit student-athletes and join new competitions. Many colleges offer scholarships specifically for students interested in playing esports at the collegiate level.

 

School-sanctioned programs and gaming sessions should have, at minimum, one adult coordinator supervising the session both if the team is meeting in person and when the team is meeting virtually.

 

Games rated E for Everyone or E 10+ are recommended for the Elementary grade level. At the Secondary level, games with a rating of E, E10, and Teen may be considered. Caution should be used when selecting games with a Teen rating as they may contain content that is only suitable for students ages 13 and over. Games rated as Teen, may contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, and the infrequent use of strong language. Parents/Guardians should receive advance notice of game titles that will be used in the esports club. Parent / Guardian notice should include the game title, ESRB rating and a link to Common Sense Media review or to the ESRB rating review.

 

Games rated higher than Teen are not recommended for Elementary school students.

 

For students playing esports at the Secondary level, games with a Mature (17+) rating must be cautiously evaluated by school administration. Students’ parents and guardians should be notified prior to the game being played. Collegiate level esports programs often compete and may offer scholarships for games that are rated Mature (17+). These games often contain content that is only suitable for ages 17 and over, and content may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, and strong language. Extreme caution must be exercised if selecting a game that is either unrated or rated Mature.

 

Some examples of popular esports games include:

 

(The following are examples only, and their appearance here should not be considered as approval or endorsement.)

 

Game Title	ESRB Rating	School Level
Call of Duty (COD)	Mature (17+)	Secondary
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)	Mature (17+)	Secondary
Defense of the Ancients (DOTA) and DOTA 2	Teen	Secondary
Fortnite	Teen	Secondary
Hearthstone	Teen	Secondary
League of Legends (LoL)	Teen	Secondary
Just Dance (2023, 2024)	Everyone	Elementary/Secondary
Mario Kart	Everyone	Elementary/Secondary
Minecraft	Everyone (10+)	Elementary/Secondary
Overwatch	Teen	Secondary
Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)	Teen	Secondary
Pokemon (Sword & Shield)	Everyone	Elementary/Secondary
Rainbow Six Siege	Mature (17+)	Secondary
Rocket League	Everyone	Elementary/Secondary
Super Smash Brothers	Everyone (10+)	Elementary/Secondary
Sports Titles Including: MLB The Show, Madden, FIFA/EA Sports FC, NBA 2K	Everyone	Elementary/Secondary
For ratings of all games, please visit the ESRB Website at esrb.org.

 

All school-sponsored esports activities must have the appropriate signed parental consent forms.

 

The following permission forms are offered as templates that schools may use, and may be customized for their specific needs.

 

Link to Sample Permission Form (Elementary)

 

Link to Sample Permission Form (Secondary)

 

Link to Sample Permission Form for specific games (K-12)

 

Parent permission must be granted for titles outside of the recommended ratings, and for any game with a Mature rating. Permission for specific game titles is in addition to obtaining parent permission for overall esport club participation.

 

Schools may decide to allow students to bring in their personal gaming systems or components for use in school in connection with an approved esports program. Schools must consider security of the devices when they are not in use, the ability of the device to access the school’s network and to be mindful of the possibility for potential damage or theft of student’s personal gaming devices.

 

Schools should be aware that many of these games are hosted on platforms such as Discord or Twitch that are not designed for schools and often contain areas, boards, and / or posts that are not school appropriate. School coordinators should make every effort to limit access to their esports space so that only school members may access the site and that school sites are not accessible by general members of the public.

 

Club advisors should configure game settings, whenever possible, to reduce or disable violence, gore or language settings.

 

Network security, web filtering, and firewall configuration must be reviewed by the AoPTech Senior tech team prior to the start of any esport program. The setup and network configuration process take both considerable time and planning to ensure the safety of all participants. Each new game added will require additional network / firewall setup and configuration. Please allow a minimum of three weeks for the AoPTech senior techs to configure and test the school’s firewall and network settings prior to deploying the game to the students.

 

Schools are encouraged to adopt a Code of Conduct for the esports Teams/Clubs based on the Code of Conduct for the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations (NASEF). To review the NASEF Code of Conduct, please refer to the following links:

 

• NASEF Code of Conduct (PDF Download)
• Code of Conduct NASEF (Webpage)

 

Within their esports code of conduct, schools need to include the following topics:

• In-game chat, game message boards, screen names and player avatars must be school appropriate, may not contain language or images that are harmful, defamatory or otherwise offensive.
• The mis-use of school logos is a violation of the RUP, and students and advisors should exercise caution when developing their avatars or team logos.

Policy Violations

 

Violation of the Responsible Use Policy may result in any or all of the following:

• Loss of use of the school network, computers and software, including Internet access. The student will be expected to complete work on a non-networked, stand-alone computer system and/or in an offline work environment.
• Issuance of demerits/detentions, if applicable.
• Removal from the esports club or limited from participating in public esports competitions
• Possible financial obligations for the repair or replacement of damaged school devices.

Disciplinary action including, but not limited to, dismissal and/or legal action by the school, civil authorities, or other involved parties.

Updating of Forms

It is the responsiblity of the parents to update forms each year when re-registering your child or when need be.

*Items listed in green have been added or changed to the handbook for the 2024-2025 school year.  Thank you!