X. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

A. BICYCLES

It is recommended that students below the fourth grade level not ride bicycles to school. The school assumes no responsibility for them. However, provisions have been made to safeguard bicycles by requiring them to be properly parked and locked in the bicycle rack on the upper playground, and area adjacent to the gym entrance. Bicycles may never be ridden on school grounds. Skateboards and roller blades are not permitted. State law requires all students to wear helmets.

B. BINGO

Bingo is a major school fundraiser held each Wednesday and Saturday evening. Its operation is under the direction of a committee of the Home/School Association. A member of each student’s family is expected to participate in this activity monthly. Each family is assigned a specific week and evening (e.g. every first Wednesday). Arrangements pertaining to assigned times and duties are made through the HSA.

C. BUS TRANSPORTATION

Depending on the number of children involved, most local Boards of Education either transport or reimburse parents of eligible children. The criteria for determining eligibility is that the child must live at least two miles from the school. Students who come to school on the bus should return home on the bus unless they have a note from the parents signed by the principal.

Riding the bus is a privilege. Improper conduct will result in that privilege being denied. Only regularly scheduled bus students are to ride the school bus. Bus students are to go immediately to the designated area as soon as they are dismissed from school in the afternoon.

D. CAFETERIA

Although students may bring their own lunches a variety of lunch items, both hot and cold, is also available. Milk and juice may also be purchased. A menu which lists daily items and prices will be distributed monthly. I.O.U.'s will be issued in emergency situations and only for lunch.

E. CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY AND BOOKS

In order to provide adequate care of textbooks, pupils of every grade must have all books covered and carry books to and from school in a book bag or other type of protective covering. School property that is lost, damaged or destroyed, will be repaired or replaced at cost to the parents.

F. CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

Mid-winter each year, throughout the United States, Catholic Schools Week is the occasion of special celebrations in recognition of the unique contributions of Catholic schools to our church and country. At Holy Trinity Interparochial School, various events are planned to commemorate and focus additional attention on the school. Registrations for new students are accepted at this time, and school visits by parents and friends are encouraged.

G. CHANGE IN RESIDENCE AND/OR PHONE NUMBER

When changes in residence, telephone number, or emergency contacts occur, please promptly notify the office.

H. CLASS PARTIES

The teachers may call upon room mothers to assist in seasonal parties that have been planned by the teacher. There are also individual birthday celebration policies set by some teachers. Parents should verify the teacher's policy in this regard.

I. DONATION

Any family, student, or class that wishes to provide educational items for school use is encouraged to do so. There are many useful items that would benefit the school and the students. Examples of past donations include: money for purchase of wish list items, computers and related equipment, library book selections, personal time, primary grade play equipment, and furniture.

J. EXTENDED DAY CARE

Before and after school care is provided five days a week from 7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Arrangements may also be made for half days, holidays, vacations, and summer. Supervision of homework, arts and crafts, and outdoor activities are part of the program.

K. FATHERS AND FRIENDS OF HOLY TRINITY

This club was established to give the male guardians of the school children an opportunity to meet in an informal atmosphere for social, fund raising, and volunteer purposes. The club meets periodically throughout the school year usually on Wednesday or Thursday nights. Notices are sent home with the students prior to each meeting.

L. LOCKERS

Lockers are the property of Holy Trinity Interparochial School and are provided as a convenience to the students. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. Students may provide their own locks. A duplicate key or copy of the combination must be given to the office, and will be kept in the student’s file. Lockers can be opened for inspection if believed to house any material illegal and/or detrimental to the health and safety of a student or the student body.

M. LOST AND FOUND

Articles found in and around the school should be turned into the school office where the owners may claim their property after proper identification. Parents should inscribe some form of identification on their children's belongings.

N. MAY CROWNING

A liturgy honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary is held in May after all second grade students have received First Eucharist. Eighth grade students are chosen to crown Mary and the second grade, in their First Eucharist attire, act as an honor guard.

O. PARKING AND NO PARKING AREAS

Parking in the area of the school facility is at a premium. Designated spaces in the teachers’ parking lot are reserved for members of the staff only. In the interest of safety, parents should not use this lot as a drop off or pick up area. Parents may drop children off on First Street adjacent to the walkway leading to the morning assembly areas (K and 1-8). Upon the request of parents, members of the Service Club will be available at curbside to escort small children. Some parents choose to drop off on Watterson Street. If this alternative is used, the children should be walked across the street to the playground area. At dismissal, parents may meet students in front of the school.

Parents are encouraged to cooperate with the student drop off and pick up regulations, as each child’s safety is at stake.

P. SACRAMENTS PREPARATION

The celebration of the sacraments takes place in a student’s parish. Questions concerning each parish’s program should be directed to the Religious Education Coordinator. Some general information is listed below:

Holy Trinity, Westfield (908/233-7455)

First Eucharist and Reconciliation - second grade

Confirmation - ninth grade students are invited to enter a two year preparation.

Our Lady of Lourdes, Mountainside (908/233-6162)

First Eucharist and Reconciliation - second grade

Confirmation - eighth grade

St. Helen, Westfield (908/233-8757)

First Eucharist - second grade

Reconciliation - an ongoing process beginning with second grade

Confirmation - tenth grade

Q. SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships endowed by private organizations and friends of Holy Trinity Interparochial School are awarded to qualifying students.

R. SPECIAL SERVICES

Services are available through the Union County Educational Service Commission for compensatory education, speech, English as a second language, home instruction, and child study evaluations.

S. TELEPHONE USE

Telephone use by students is limited to cases of necessity, with staff permission. In the event a student receives a call, messages will be given to the student by the office.

The public telephone located in the basement is off limits to the student body during the school day.

T. TESTING PROGRAM

The Archdiocese of Newark has adopted the California Achievement Test. This comprehensive testing program is administered yearly to students in kindergarten through grade 8. Additionally, the eighth grade students planning to attend Catholic high school are tested in November as one of the criteria for acceptance.

U. TRANSFER PROCEDURE

Parent/guardians of students transferring to another school must notify the principal in advance of the date of transfer. The following information should be given at that time:

Name and grade of the student transferring

Birth date of student

Reason for transfer

New home address (if applicable)

Name, address (including zip code) of new school the child will attend

Last date on which the child will attend Holy Trinity Interparochial School

The parents/guardians must come in to complete the appropriate form. Transfer cards and health records will be given to the parent/guardian the last day of attendance. All other records will be sent to the new school after the authorization form has been signed.

All tuition must be paid up to date, and all books and library fines are due before the transfer is completed.

V. VISITORS

Holy Trinity welcomes visitors who have legitimate business at the school. All volunteers are required to sign in upon entering, and sign out upon leaving.

No parent may go directly to a classroom during school hours. Forgotten lunch, books, etc. are to be brought to the office and the child will be notified. It is important that classes not be disturbed.



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