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
Social-Emotional
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:
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:
Dismissal:
Private Transportation Days:
Early release:
Absences:
Emergency Closing Procedures:
Medical concerns and immunizations:
Volunteers and Visitors:
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.
Immaculate Heart of Mary School Dress Code
Updated 05/2021
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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:
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.
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.
Disciplinary Management Plan
School Technology
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:
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)