IHM STUDENT AND PARENT HANDBOOK

2021-2022

 

 

Immaculate Heart of Mary School is a Preschool through Eighth Grade Catholic school under the direction of the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky.  Current enrollment is 410 students.  Immaculate Heart of Mary School does not discriminate based on religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

 

 

Mission Statement

It is the mission of Immaculate Heart of Mary School to partner with parents to provide a quality education to our students regarding their spiritual, physical, emotional, social and educational development.  Together, we will work to foster Catholic values that guide our students to become responsible citizens who embrace the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

 

Philosophy

At Immaculate Heart of Mary School, each student, because of his/her dignity and worth as a child of God, will be educated within our Christian community so that his/her potential is fully developed.  We promote the growth of Catholic values, principles and moral attitudes so that each student may become a responsible citizen in our society.

Spiritual

• All students take a religion class daily that incorporates Catholic teachings.
• First Reconciliation and First Eucharist preparation occurs in second grade.  
• An All-School Mass is celebrated weekly.
• Reconciliation is available frequently throughout the school year.
• Monthly faith assemblies focus on developing Catholic virtues.
• Prayers are incorporated into various parts of the day.
• We incorporate the Theology of the Body program from Kindergarten through 8th Grade.

• IHM is a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and will work to maintain this status.
• Academic subjects of mathematics, language arts (reading, spelling, oral and written language), science and social studies are taught daily.
• Enrichment subjects of Art, Music, Spanish, Technology, Physical Education and STEAM are taught weekly.
• A team of intervention teachers support all levels of students by using the RTI (Response to Intervention) program.  This includes gifted students, on-level students and at-risk students.
• ALPs (Alternative Learning Plans) are developed for those students who are diagnosed with a learning disability.

• Students take a physical education class weekly.
• Students have at least one recess per day where they are free to play outside as weather permits.
• Sports are offered at all ages, including boys and girls volleyball, boys and girls basketball and golf.
• Opportunities for football, cross country and track are available through high school programs.
• We have a school nurse on staff to provide for students with physical needs.

 

Social-Emotional

• We have a school counselor on staff to provide support for all students.
• Terrace Metrics testing regularly provides feedback to the administration on individuals who may be at-risk as well as those who show leadership potential.
• We encourage students to use their God-given gifts to serve others through service projects.
• We foster love of life, love of family and love of country to enable students to respect all cultures as a gift from God.

 

 

Admission

Immaculate Heart of Mary School is open to all students.  Admission is based upon availability of classroom space. First priority is given to current students and active, participating members of IHM parish.  Non-parishioners may attend at an increased tuition rate.  Students with special needs will be evaluated to see if we are able to serve their educational needs.

 

 

Educational Program

The educational program of Immaculate Heart of Mary meets the requirements set by the Diocese of Covington and is accredited by the Kentucky Non-Public School Commission.  

 

Religious education is the essence of a Catholic school.  Through the teaching of Catholic doctrine and Christian living within the school, the school aims to assist parents in their task of the moral and religious development of their children.  Religion classes are conducted for all students enrolled at IHM.  Grades are given for participation and retention of material taught.  IHM follows the Religious Education Curriculum Guidelines for the Diocese of Covington.

 

Preschool through Eighth Grade are taught with the intention that students progress from one grade level to the next after one academic year.  The Principal reserves the right to make the final decision on whether or not a student is promoted to the next grade level.  The decision is based on what is best for that student academically, socially and emotionally.  Students retained in eighth grade may not repeat the eighth grade at IHM.

 

Placement of students in a specific classroom is determined by the administration and not by parent request. Students are leveled in math during grades 6-8.

 

Homework is assigned at IHM on a regular basis.  It should extend and reinforce classroom instruction and increase personal responsibility.  All assignments must be completed on time and in a satisfactory manner.  The classroom teacher will decide on an appropriate consequence if it is not completed on the date that it is due.  The following is an average amount of time that each student can expect to spend on homework:

• Grade 1 - average 10 minutes
• Grade 2 - average 20 minutes
• Grade 3 - average 30 minutes
• Grade 4 - average 40 minutes
• Grade 5 - average 50 minutes
• Grade 6 - average 60 minutes
• Grade 7 - average 70 minutes
• Grade 8 - average 80 minutes

 

Field trips are encouraged to enrich understanding and appreciation of specific areas relating to their studies.  Students are required to wear uniforms unless written notice is given otherwise.  Prior to each field trip, parents/guardians will be required to sign a permission form.  All chaperones must be Virtus compliant.

 

Report cards are electronically sent to parents/guardians of students in grades 1-8 at the end of each trimester.  Kindergarten will receive their first report card at conference time and at the end of the second trimester.  Kindergarten students are assessed at the end of the school year to determine readiness for first grade.

 

Grading Scale

 

Grades K-3

E - excellent

G - good progress

S - satisfactory

P - problem area

I - improving

 

Grades 4-8

A - 93 - 100

B - 85 - 92

C - 75 - 84

D - 70 - 74

F - Below 70

Standardized testing is completed three times per year.  MAP Growth is the assessment used for measuring achievement and growth in K–8 math, reading and language.. It provides teachers with accurate, and actionable evidence to help target instruction for each student or groups of students regardless of how far above or below they are from their grade level.  Our Reach Higher L.A.B. (Learning Advancement Block) uses the Response to Intervention (RTI) model to move students fluidly through levels to help students reach their full academic potential.

 

Parent-Teacher conferences will be held after the first trimester.  If parents feel the need for a conference at other times of the school year, they are encouraged to contact their child’s teacher.

 

An Alternative Learning Plan (ALP) is available for students who demonstrate a need for accommodations.  Parents will meet with our ALP department chair at the beginning of each school year and as needed. Teachers are responsible for providing the services explained in the ALP.  An ALP advocate will work with the student throughout the school year.  If your child is diagnosed with a learning disability or exceptionality, please report this information to the school office.

 

 

Attendance Procedures:

 

School hours are from 7:40 am to 2:15 pm.

 

The Boone County Transportation Department provides bus service for students in their service area.  Requests for bus transportation must be made through the IHM school office.

 

Arrival:  

• Car riders are dropped off between 7:00 am and 7:35 am in the lower lot.  A member of our faculty will greet the students and take them to either the cafeteria or the gym until 7:15 am.  After 7:15 am, students will be in their classroom.
• Bus riders are dropped off at the front entrance and proceed to the cafeteria or gym until 7:15 am.  After 7:15 am, students will be in their classroom.
• Students arriving by car after 7:35 am are considered tardy and must be signed in by a parent in the school office.  In the case of excessive tardiness, the administration will contact the parents to determine the legitimacy and nature of the tardiness.

 

Dismissal:

• Bus riders will be escorted to their buses at the proper time.
• Lower lot car riders will be escorted to the cafeteria doors to be released.  Cars will line up in rows in the lower lot and students will be released at 2:15 pm to get in their car.  Once all students have been released, cars may begin to exit the lot in an orderly fashion, one row at a time.
• Father’s lot car riders must have special permission to use this lot.  Students will be released through the left side doors.  Cars will line up in rows in Father’s lot and students will be released at 2:15 pm to get in their car.  Once all students have been released, cars may begin to exit the lot in an orderly fashion, one row at a time.

 

Private Transportation Days:

• There are certain days when we are in school and Boone County is not.  On these days, bus riders will need to plan to be dropped off in the lower lot between 7:00 am and 7:35 am and picked up by car in the upper lot at 2:15 pm.

 

Early release:

• All requests to pick up your child early are to be made in writing and presented to the school office before the school day begins. The parents or guardian must report to the office to sign the child out.  
• If a child becomes ill or injured and our school nurse has deemed it necessary for the child to leave school early, parents will be notified to pick up their child as soon as possible.  Please keep all phone numbers and email addresses current in the school office.

 

Absences:

• If a child is going to be absent for the day, parents are asked to notify the office in the morning before school starts.  Absences can be reported to the school office by emailing attendance@ihmkyschool.org.
• Excessive absences can be detrimental to a child’s educational progress and should be avoided.  In the case of excessive absences, the administration will contact the parents to determine the legitimacy and nature of the absences.
• Students who are absent for more than half of the school day are not eligible to participate in after-school activities that evening.

 

Emergency Closing Procedures:  

• When it becomes necessary for IHM to close school, the school office will communicate this by using our school notification system through text messaging, phone call, Facebook and/or email.  

 

Medical concerns and immunizations:

• All students at Immaculate Heart of Mary are expected to have current immunization records on file in the school office.  No student may be enrolled at IHM School without the required valid certificate of immunization.
• Students who require over-the-counter or prescription medication must contact our school nurse to fill out the required forms.
• First aid supplies such as band-aids, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, etc. are available to all students by visiting the school nurse.  Parents must contact the school nurse if they would like to opt-out of these first aid items.
• If a student is found to have lice or nits, the child will be sent home and the school nurse will perform regular head checks to be certain that the lice or nits are gone.  Other families with students in that class will be notified.

 

Volunteers and Visitors:

• All visitors to the school must check-in and check-out at the school office by providing their drivers license or other identification.  Visitors are screened by our Raptor system to check for sexual offenders.  All volunteers must be Virtus trained and compliant.

 

Code of Conduct

 

It is expected that IHM students will conduct themselves with Christian behavior at all times.  To ensure an appropriate Christian school environment, and to reinforce the Christian values taught in the home, the following is the code of conduct for our students.  

 

1. Students are to conduct themselves as a responsible Christian at all times.  Each student is a personal representative of Immaculate Heart of Mary School and is expected to project a positive image both at school, on the bus, and in the community.
2. Students are expected to show respect for themselves with proper grooming and by adhering to the IHM dress code (below).
3. Students are to exhibit respect for teachers and all those in authority within the school at all times.  Talking back, foul, disrespectful or abusive language or gestures are not permitted.  
4. Students are expected to recognize the dignity of each person by respecting others.  Bullying, pushing in line, cheating, stealing, name calling, fighting, tripping and uncharitable games are not permitted.
5. Students are expected to properly care for all school property.  Defacing school property is not permitted.  Chewing gum is not permitted.  Students are not permitted to use the elevator without permission.
6. Students are to conduct themselves in a quiet manner in the school building before and after school, while changing classes, in the hallway and going to and from Masses and assemblies.
7. Students are called upon to take an active role in creating a positive learning environment for all.  Students are expected to follow all classroom rules and expectations given by their teachers and substitutes.
8. Mass is a time for thoughtful prayer and reflection.  Students are expected to participate in the songs and prayers.  No individual conversations are allowed.  Bathroom visits should be limited to emergency situations only.
9. Students are expected to maintain proper social behavior in the lunchroom.  Quiet conversations are acceptable.  Shouting, throwing food and destroying food are not permitted.  
10. Recess is a time for fun and relaxation.  Students must be respectful and inclusive of all students.  Games must be appropriate and safe.  Students are required to stay in the recess area outlined by their teacher.
11. Students are expected to contribute to making IHM a safe environment.  Sale, use, or possession of drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, vaping products, fireworks, firearms, weapons or pornographic material are not permitted.  The administration reserves the right to search a student and his/her property.  
12. Cell phones and smart watches are not permitted during school hours.  If a device is brought to school, it will be collected and stored safely until the end of the school day.

 

Immaculate Heart of Mary School Dress Code 

Updated 05/2021

 

 

Shoes:  Most students wear athletic shoes. Dress shoes and boots may be worn. No cowboy boots. Open-toed or open-back shoes are not permitted. 

 

Socks:  Black or white socks must be worn at all times. Socks may have a black or white emblem on the back or side.  Socks must be at least ankle-length.

 

Physical education uniform:  On PE day, the regulation IHM PE uniform should be worn in place of the regular uniform. The regulation IHM PE uniform is navy sweatpants with a regulation IHM PE t-shirt or a regulation IHM sweatshirt.  Navy gym shorts no more than 4 inches from the knee may be worn for summer uniform.  Students must wear athletic shoes.

 

TAG Days:  On certain announced occasions, students may be out of uniform, but must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Shirts and dresses must have sleeves and must cover shoulders, stomach, and chest area.
• No open-toed or open-backed shoes, such as sandals, are permitted.
• Sayings and logos on clothing must be appropriate. Students should not wear clothing with words on the backside of pants, shorts or skirts.
• No rips/tears in clothing.
• Shorts must be no more than four inches above the knee. 
• Tops must be long enough to cover the backside if leggings are worn.  

 

IHM Spirit Days:  On certain announced occasions, students may wear an IHM spirit wear top with uniform bottoms. Tops must be an appropriate style and have IHM or an IHM logo on them.

 

   Proper grooming:  No make-up is to be worn at school. Girls may wear nail polish. The only acceptable body piercing is of the ears and only post earrings no larger than a dime may be worn. Girls may wear no more than two sets of earrings.  Boys may not wear earrings. Jewelry may be worn in moderation. Writing on the body and clothing is prohibited at all times. Hair must be kept cut, neat, and clean. No distracting hair colors or styles.  Clothes must be clean.  Styles deemed improper for school by the administration will not be permitted. Hats and winter accessories are to be worn outside the building only. 
 

Student ID lanyards are part of the uniform and must be worn at all times of the school day. Any ID that is lost, defaced in any way, or in poor condition must be replaced at the student's expense.

 

Summer uniform guidelines are in place from the start of school until mid-October and from the beginning of April until the end of school.  Specific dates will be announced.

 

Preschool - No uniforms are required for preschool.  Comfortable play clothes and gym shoes are recommended.  IHM t-shirts and sweatshirts are available for purchase.

 

UNIFORM CONTACT INFORMATION:

 

Schoolbelles - 5046 Old Taylor Mill Road, Taylor Mill, Ky. 859-581-3111

 

Idlebrook - The school will send an email when online sales are open to purchase items with the regulation IHM logo from Idlebrook.  

 

Free used uniform exchange - A free uniform swap is available year round. It is currently run by three mothers of our students. They have shorts, pants, sweaters, shirts, blouses, jumpers, skorts, gym shirts, sweatshirts, and some spirit wear. It is all free!  Contact the school office for details.

 

 

 

Academic Honesty Policy - Academic dishonesty is not tolerated.  Unauthorized collaboration will result in consequences for all students involved.  Plagiarism and forgery are unacceptable.  

• First incident - student receives a zero, parents are notified, student meets with administration, detention, unsatisfactory conduct grade
• Repeated incidents - in addition to the above, incident recorded in student’s disciplinary file, in-school suspension and mandatory meeting with parents and administration

 

 

Positive Climate

 

The school uses a number of strategies designed to positively impact school climate which, in turn, increases student academic success.  Students, teachers and parents can contract our personal counselor and/or school nurse by contacting the school office anytime they have a concern.

 

• School Bullying Prevention Plan
  • All faculty and staff at IHM are expected to be observant for both students engaging in bullying behaviors and those exhibiting characteristics of having been bullied. 
  • Every student, faculty, staff and parent at IHM has an ethical and moral obligation to report to the Principal when they have reason to believe bullying has or is occurring.  
  • All reported and observed acts of bullying will be investigated and parents will be notified.

 

• Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS)
  • Each classroom teacher uses a structured system of positive reinforcement.  Students are given a Saint Code Card when a teacher witnesses their positive behavior.  At the end of each month, the Principal will draw a name from all of the Saint Code Cards to receive rewards.

 

Disciplinary Management Plan

 

• Teachers in grades PS-5 will provide their own system of behavior management in their classrooms that will be communicated to parents at the beginning of each school year.  School administration will be involved in excessive discipline issues.

 

• In grades 6 - 8, behavior management and missing assignments will be monitored through Sycamore and on a conduct card.  
  • If a student receives five disciplinary marks, the student will be given detention.  Another detention will be served at 7 and 9 disciplinary marks. Detentions will be served after school on Thursdays from 2:15 to 3:00 pm in the school office.  If a student receives ten disciplinary marks in one trimester, the student will serve an in-school suspension.
  • The student will not be permitted to participate in the next extracurricular competition if a detention or suspension is served.
  • If conduct continues to be an issue, a parent meeting with teachers, administrators and the pastor will be called to discuss possible out of school suspension and/or expulsion.
  • Five accumulated missing assignments will result in a study table served after school to complete the assignments. 

 

 

 

 

School Technology

 

• Grades K-5 use Chromebooks and/or Ipads that are stored on a cart in their classroom.
• Grades 6-8 are assigned a Chromebook that they use while at school.
• All students in preschool through 8th grade attend a technology class once per week in the computer lab.

 

Immaculate Heart of Mary School uses technology as a way to improve student learning and help our teachers to be more effective in the classroom. Our rules make sure we use technology safely and protect IHM’s investment in hardware and software.  Our policy is focused on making sure we use technology in ways that are appropriate for a Catholic school environment and discourage harmful practices by including:

• Web filtering on all networked devices through an on-premise appliance and hosted software application 
• Security filtering software on all Windows based devices owned by the school
• BARK monitoring of student activity within the student's account
• GScholar and/or Go Guardian monitoring of student activity

• Access by all users of our network is safeguarded from inappropriate content and matter as defined in the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

• Every student and parent/guardian must sign the Responsible Use Policy (RUP) at the beginning of each new school year.

 

 

 

THIS HANDBOOK IS NOT INTENDED TO ADDRESS EVERY PROCEDURE OR EVENT THAT MAY OCCUR IN A SCHOOL YEAR.  THE ADMINISTRATION RETAINS THE RIGHT TO APPEND OR AMEND AS NECESSARY.  (updated 07/29/2021)