Dear Students and Parents:
Welcome to St. Peter’s Middle School. This handbook has been developed as an aid for you to understand St. Peter’s Middle School and its rules and regulations. It is imperative that you become familiar with the contents of the book, as it covers a variety of information.
Please read the book, sign, and return the agreement form to the school office on the first day of school.
The acceptance of this handbook establishes a contract between you and St. Peter’s Middle School that you understand our policies, how they are enforced, and you agree to abide by them. We wish you the best during this school year.
Sincerely,
Greg Emory
Principal
ST. PETER’S MIDDLE SCHOOL STAFF
Terry Berkstresser Music
Margie Black Spanish
Missy Bracker Art
Brenda Durbin Social Studies
Greg Emory Principal
Jason Ghumm Math
Chelsea Holmes PE
Annette Peterson Religion
Andrea Svec Reading
Chuck Williams English
Janet Williams Science
Tammy Woods Administrative Assistant
Mission Statement
The Joplin Area Catholic School System provides a strong academic and Catholic faith foundation. Our goal is to teach young people to integrate Christian values into all aspects of life. We provide students with educational and social skills needed to be active, productive members of the community and Church. We endeavor to graduate young adults who are effective witnesses to the presence of Christ in the world.
Purpose
We believe that the special purposes for our school are threefold: CHRISTIAN ENVIRONMENT, ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT. The Joplin Area Catholic Schools educate the whole person- mind, body, and spirit -- to be a good citizen and a future leader of church, community, and nation.
Statement of purpose and beliefs for the Joplin Area Catholic School
Our recognition of a mandate from Christ leads us to the following principles:
1. That all human beings of every race, condition, and age enjoy a specific dignity as human beings and have an inalienable right to an education that is in keeping with their ultimate goal. A true education aims at the full formation of every individual.
2. We believe that a democratic society is the most desirable way of life for civilization as we know it.
3. We believe that this way of life is perpetuated through the education of the members of this society. Society will benefit by fitting our educational goals to each student’s development level, ability, interest, and desire.
4. We believe the individuals should be useful members of a democratic society, and that such membership implies acceptance of responsibilities as well as privileges.
5. We hold that each Catholic school should strive to realize the threefold purpose of Christian education; to follow each doctrine, to build community, and to serve. The Catholic school is the effective means available for the education of children and young people.
6. In fully helping students develop mentally, physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually, and culturally, we believe teaching is a cooperative effort among administrators, parents, teachers, and students.
7. We believe that learning is most effective when the individual is the focus. This is enhanced when the individuals involved are working toward clearly defined goals and objectives, and the individuals are interested in and concerned about materials they are going to master.
Christian Atmosphere:
A supportive Christian environment in the Joplin Area Catholic Schools is a vital part of the accomplishment of our education mission. Each person involved in the school has a role to play in the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development of the students enrolled in the system.
RETREATS - Each class will participate in a one-day retreat.
PRAYER - Each school day will begin and end with prayer. Regularly scheduled faculty meetings will begin with a reflection. The class preceding lunch will conclude with a table blessing before the luncheon meal. Other opportunities for special moments of prayer and worship will be provided as appropriate.
RECONCILIATION - Reconciliation will be celebrated during the year at designated times.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS - Stations of the Cross will be held during Lent.
ROSARY - Praying the Rosary will receive special emphasis in October and May.
MASSES - Weekly masses will be scheduled for St. Peter’s School students.
CHAPLAINCY VISITS - Clergy involvement with the students is encouraged. Area priests will make school visits and will be available for the students.
Admissions, Continuance, and Withdrawal Criteria Policy
Joplin Area Catholic Schools admit students of any race, sex, nationality, or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, nationality, or ethnic origin in our admissions policies and/or any other school administered program. Christian values are taught to all students.
Preference for Catholic Students
Our schools do give preference in admission to Catholic students living within the Sacred Heart, St. Mary, and St. Peter parish boundaries; secondly, to Catholic student living outside those parish boundaries; thirdly, to non-Catholics.
Financial Policies
The Joplin Area Catholic Schools are supported by the stewardship contributions of participating parishes. Students from families who do not participate in stewardship must pay tuition as established by the JACS School Board. All students’ families are responsible for the appropriate nonrefundable educational registration fee.
Immunizations
Missouri law requires each school district, public, private, or parochial, to maintain a record showing the immunization status of every child enrolled in or attending a school in that district, with an annual report to be made in the fall of each year. Those students not in compliance are to be excluded from school unless legally exempted (medical/religious) and a Report of Noncompliance is to be filed with the immunization report. Satisfactory evidence of immunization means a statement, certificate or record from a physician or other recognized health facility or personnel, stating the required immunizations have been given. Children must have received all age-appropriate immunizations according to the current schedule established by the Department of Health. Missouri now requires three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine for students entering grade 7.
Procedures-New/Transfer Students
1. The family must complete a school registration form.
2. If the family is Catholic, they must be taking part in stewardship, and the form must be signed by the parish priest.
3. A nonrefundable educational registration fee must be paid.
4. Officials of the school most recently attended will be contacted, if necessary, by the principal.
5. All medical records required by the state and federal government must be in place and on file with the school prior to enrollment and attendance.
Our school does not presently have the personnel or resources necessary to work with youth that have significant learning disabilities, who need special education, and/or who have a history of social or behavioral problems. Therefore, such students usually are not accepted.
Withdrawal
Records will not be sent to the receiving school until all fees are settled.
Student Residence
Any student attending an elementary or high school in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau system is required to be living with one of the following:
1. The student’s parent(s).
2. A legal guardian.
3. A person who has been given the power of attorney by a natural parent (According to Missouri stature, Sec. 475.024 RMS. 1994, a parent of a minor child may delegate to another individual, for a period of one year any of the parent’s rights, including the care and custody of the minor child with the exception of consenting to marriage or the adoption of a minor child). A written notification is to be on the file which identifies the residence of the student. Should a student be living with anyone other than one of the above stated parties, the student will be suspended until the matter is resolved according to the above policy.
Building Hours
St. Peter’s School will be open at 7:45 a.m. Students should arrive at the school between 7:45 and 8:00 a.m. for the school day and should enter through the front doors on Byers. The building will be closed at 3:30 p.m. Students who stay for a practice must be in the activity area where they will be supervised. Transportation before and after school should be arranged to coincide with the above times. There will be NO supervision of students before 7:30 a.m. Students who arrive between 7:30 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. will be directed to before school care with a charge of $1.00 per day. After school care will be available from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Parents will be required to sign a contract for this service. Charges for after school care are outlined in the contract.
Communication
Weekly information/work envelopes will be sent home on Tuesday of each week. Please review the enclosed items, sign the folder, and return to school the next morning. Students will receive 5 EXTRA CREDIT points after every 3 consecutive times the weekly envelope is signed. One envelope will be provided each student. Please call the office if you wish to schedule an appointment with the Principal or your child’s teacher. Should a parent have a concern or complaint, the following is the chain of communication to be followed:
1. Discuss the problem with the teacher directly involved. 2. If the parent feels the conflict is not being adequately resolved, he/she may call for an appointment with the principal. A conference may be called for the teacher, parent, and principal.
School Cancellation
At certain times, due to weather conditions or other factors, it is advisable that school not be held. In that event, the information will be announced over the Joplin radio and television stations.
Student Campus Regulations
STUDENTS MUST HAVE PARENTAL PERMISSION AND PERMISSION FROM THE OFFICE TO LEAVE SCHOOL GROUNDS.
Phone Calls
Phone calls should be made from school to home only in an emergency. Calls to students or teachers during the class hours should be made ONLY in cases of emergency. Emergency phone calls home will be made by the school secretary. Students must have permission from the classroom teacher to leave class to use the phone.
Lunch Procedures
St. Peter students eat lunch at McAuley High School. Students are expected to demonstrate good manners in the cafeteria and to leave the area clean and floor free from litter. Food and drink are not to be taken from the cafeteria. Any food brought to school should be eaten in the cafeteria.
The cost of lunch is: $ 2.00/per day
The cost of milk is: $ .25 per day
Students may also purchase chips, ice cream for additional charges.
St. Peter’s uses McAuley’s scan system for lunch. Students are issued a lunch card that is kept in the office and handed out daily. Students are responsible for turning in lunch cards after lunch and are required to take appropriate care of lunch card (do not fold, spindle or mutilate). If lost or destroyed there is a replacement fee of $5.00 per card. A positive balance must be kept on their lunch account. NO CHARGES ARE ALLOWED BY MCAULEY.
Gum Chewing
Students will not be permitted to bring or chew gum while on school grounds.
Beverage Machine
Students may purchase drinks with teacher permission or after dismissal at 3:10 p.m. Soda will not be sold before or during school hours.
Student Dress and Appearance
All students enrolled in the JACS will abide by the school dress code. The purpose of the dress code is to promote unity in the schools and pride in one’s personal appearance. Students are expected to maintain a neat, clean appearance at all times. No article should be worn that detracts from the learning environment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF JACS DRESS CODE
UNLESS NOTIFIED OTHERWISE STUDENTS WILL HAVE A DRESS DOWN DAY ON THE LAST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH, T-shirt (no advertising, tobacco, alcohol, violent or sexually suggestive graphics) and jeans may be worn (jeans may not be torn or have holes). STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO WEAR FREE DRESS ON MASS DAY.
Pants: Fine twill or chino dress trousers, plain or pleated front, four or less pockets on the front or back only, regular fit, straight leg. May have elastic waist. Khaki or navy, all schools, boys and girls. NO CARGO PANTS.
Shorts: Same description as pants. With arms straight at sides, hem must extend at least 1 inch below the fingertips.
Dress shirt: Button-down collar. Single or no breast pocket. Long or short sleeve. White cotton blend - all schools.
Polo: 2-3 button placket, cotton pique mesh. Solid color, knit collar. Banded or hemmed sleeve - White, Red or Yellow.
Turtleneck: Cotton jersey, solid color, long sleeved only. White or Red.
Sweaters: Crew necks, long sleeve, vest, or v-neck cardigan (letter sweater style), no loose weaves, no pattern. Must be solid color. Navy, Hunter green.
Plaid skirt: Girls may wear black watch plaid. Same hem criteria as shorts applies.
Plaid skort: Girls may wear black watch plaid. Same hem criteria as shorts applies.
Skort: Girls may wear dress twill or chino, navy or khaki. Same hem criteria as shorts applies.
A-Line skirt: Girls may wear dress twill or chino, navy or khaki. Side button, slash front pockets. Same hem criteria as shorts applies.
Belt: Solid color in brown, navy, or black, unadorned with school appropriate belt buckle.
Shoes: Leather shoes may be brown, navy or black. Sneaker color predominantly white or black. Shoes must have closed toes and heels and be no higher than the top of the ankle. Heel height must be school appropriate.
Socks: Solid color, white, khaki, or navy. Girls may wear ankle length, knee-length, or tights. Jr./Sr. high girls may wear skin tone panty hose. Socks must be visible above the shoe line.
1. For identification purposes, it is highly suggested that students put their name inside each article of clothing. Items left in lost & found for 14 days will be taken to Outreach House.
2. T-shirt worn underneath uniform polo shirts must be white without visible writing or printing.
3. Shorts, skorts, and skirts must be worn according to the above criteria for length.
4. No oversize or tight-fitting clothing. Shirts must always be worn tucked in.
5. Boys only may wear solid ties or those with geometric designs.
6. Boys shall be clean shaven.
7. Boys are not permitted to wear earrings or have body piercing. Girls may wear earrings, but have no other body piercing. Any jewelry or accessories (watch, etc.) must be kept with the conservative nature of the uniform. No chains.
8. All students must wear their hair in a well-groomed manner. Boy’s hair must be out of the eyes, off the collar, and cover no more than half the ear. Girl’s hair must be out of the eyes. Hair must be a natural color.
9. PE dress code: For PE class, students may wear comfortable shorts that meet the shorts length criteria, T-shirts, socks, and gym shoes. No sleeveless shirts, torn clothing, or any clothing promoting drugs, alcohol or tobacco products may be worn.
10. Students may not have visible tattoos.
11. If students are observed not ADHERING TO THE DRESS CODE during school hours, fines will be assessed in the amount of $5.00 per violation.
12. Parents will be notified for those students who continue to violate the uniform policy. Further violations may result in suspensions or expulsion.
Personal Property
It is recommended that students not bring cell phones, CD players or Ipods, video games or laser pointers to school. These items are disruptive to the educational process and will be confiscated until the end of the year if used inappropriately. Calculators and other personal property should be labeled with the student’s name for convenience and protection. Students should keep valuables with them and should not bring large amounts of money to school. All student belongings must be stored inside the student’s locker during school hours.
Cell Phone Policy
If a student needs to bring a cell phone to school, the phone MUST be turned off during school hours. Students using cell phones on school property including the use of the camera feature will be fined $15.00 and phone will be confiscated. Once the fine is paid the phone will be returned to the student.
Records
All library dues, fines, tuition, lunch charges, before/after school care bills, and property damage restitution must be paid in full before quarterly report cards are issued. Report cards, transcripts, diplomas, and other student records will not be released until all books and school property are returned and all fines, fees, tuition, and restitution’s are paid. In accordance to the Family Educational Rights and privacy Act, parents and their student may view that student’s official records (academic transcripts, academic testing, and emergency sheet) upon a 24 hour written notice to the school.
Tutoring
Parents should consult with the classroom teacher if they feel tutoring is necessary for their student.
Noncustodial Parent
This school abides by the provisions of the Buckle Amendment with respect to the rights of noncustodial parents. In the absence of a court order to the contrary, a school will provide the noncustodial parent with access to the academic records and to other school-related information regarding the child. If there is a court order specifying that there is to be no information given, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with an official copy of the court order. Divorced parents are welcome, if they so desire, to bring a copy of the custody section of the divorce decree to school. This information may also prove useful in determining when, if ever, the child can be released to the non-custodial parent.
Signs and Posters
The principal must approve signs and posters before they are posted. They are to be posted in the halls with an approved adhesive that is inconspicuous from the front.
Lockers
Academic lockers are available for students’ use. Students should never store cash or expensive items in their lockers. The school assumes no liability for anything damaged, lost, or stolen from lockers or anywhere on the school campus. These lockers are the property of the school and may be searched at any time by school personnel with the permission of the school administration. The Joplin Police Department may also search lockers upon administration request or when a valid search warrant is presented.
Technology Use
Computers are for educational and classroom management use only. Teachers will monitor all student use of the computers. Each person, teacher, or student using any computer owned by the school or on school property must sign a Technology Use Agreement. Any misuse or abuse of any technology or multimedia equipment will result in loss of equipment privileges or even suspension.
School Visitors
Visitors are to check in with the school secretary at the office. For a good teaching and learning situation, all interruptions should be kept to a minimum and even avoided if possible. Parents or other visitors are NOT to go directly to any classroom on school time to talk to students or teachers. They are to make their presence known to the secretary and conduct their business through the office. Conferences with teachers should be scheduled through the office for after school hours. The students are expected to inform their friends who do not attend St. Peter’s Middle School that school hours are not visiting hours.
Medication
If it is necessary for a student to take medication during school hours (as in prescription medications), the medication must be in the original packaging and be marked appropriately. Said medications will be kept in a locked safe container to be administered by a designated person as per prescription label. A request form must be signed by parent/guardian with prescription number and doctor’s name. A permission form for over-the-counter medication must be signed by a parent and be on file in the office. Dispensing of medication is recorded by the office.
Student Behavior
The following general rules apply to all students in the school buildings, on school grounds and at all school-sponsored events.
DISCIPLINE PROGRESS: All discipline will be treated as an individual matter for each student. Individual discipline records are maintained and consideration of prior offenses and behavior will generally have a bearing in determining present action.
The general discipline process is:
a. First offense: reprimand, possible detention or suspension.
b. Second offense: suspension, followed by parental conference with principal and teacher(s).
c. Further offenses: lengthier suspensions, parental conference, disciplinary probation or expulsion.
1. The following offenses will result in reprimands and /or detention with the possibility of suspension.
a. Use or possession of tobacco - 1st offense parent called and one day suspension (Parent or guardian must accompany student the next day to get him/her admitted back to school). 2nd offense: Parent/guardian called and 3 day suspension. (Parent/guardian must accompany student to school the next day to get him/her admitted back to school). 3rd offense: approved counseling is required, parent/guardian called and immediate 5 day suspension with possibility of expulsion.
b. Insubordination, defiance, lying, or disrespect of school personnel.
c. Failing to identify oneself to school personnel upon request.
d. Cheating - 1st offense: zero for the test/assignment, parent/guardian notified - 2nd offense: further disciplinary action may be taken at the discretion of the principal.
e. Using profanity, obscenities, or degrading “name-calling” will result in automatic detention. Continued language abuse will result in possible suspension and/or expulsion.
f. Using the names of other persons to falsify documents or date used by the school.
g. Littering or throwing objects, such as refuse or paper in the hallways or classrooms.
h. Inappropriate display of intimacy. There shall be no embracing, kissing, or inappropriate actions on school grounds, in the hallways or classrooms. This regulation also covers student behavior at any school-sponsored activity.
i. Bringing laser pointers, audio equipment, video games, or communication devices to school.
j. Defacing property
k. Truancy: Truancy is defined as being absent from school or class without prior knowledge of either parent/guardian, teachers, and/or principals. A student who leaves school without checking out properly through the office will also be considered truant. Students who participate in any type of organized “skip day” will be counted as truant from school and subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Students will be assigned in-school suspension. The length of the penalty will depend on the length of the truancy.
2. Tardiness: Student are tardy if they are not in the classroom, ready for class when the bell rings. Three tardies will result in an after-school detention. After three after-school detentions for behavior or tardies the student’s parents will be asked to come in for a conference. (See detention policy).
3. The following actions are deemed to be serious enough to warrant immediate suspension with the possibility of expulsion.
a. Actions of vandalism, stealing, turning in false alarms, trespassing or arson.
b. The possession, use, sale, or distribution of alcohol, intoxicants, unauthorized medicine, drugs, or narcotics at school or at a school-related function.
c. Interference with or intimidation of students or school personnel.
d. Possession or use of explosive devices, including firecrackers.
e. Violence or threats of violence against others or themselves, involvement in fighting or assault.
f. Striking a teacher or other school personnel.
g. Possession, use, or threat to use weapons of any sort. Current law requires a minimum of one-year suspension for a student bringing a weapon to school. This amendment allows the suspension to be either one year or an expulsion, and expands the definition of the weapon. Any student found to be in violation of this rule or who is charged with a serious crime will not be allowed on campus, but will have home study pending investigation of such.
Any parent or visitor who possesses, uses, or threatens to use weapons of any sort on the school campus will face immediate removal by Joplin Police and will be banned from the school property and school activities pending investigation.
h. Sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior directed toward student or school personnel.
i. Gross misbehavior: deliberate, malicious or willful conduct that is detrimental to the function of this school’s special Catholic mission and Christian education program. This includes public conduct that reflects negatively upon the school, its community, and its programs.
4. Expulsion of a student is very serious and will take place only as a last resort. Moral delinquency is a sufficient reason for expelling if the delinquency is persistent or has a bad influence on the other students in the school. The following are additional causes for expulsion:
a. Civil marriage.
b. Selling of a controlled substance at school or a school-related function.
c. A second offense during the school year of either possession or use of a controlled substance or possession or consumption of an alcoholic beverage at school or school related functions.
d. A violation for which there were two disciplinary suspensions during the school year.
e. Any other conduct or activity of a serious nature that is considered harmful to the school’s reputation or well being.
5. Other items:
a. Because of the possibility of serious danger to students, parents, staff and facilities, students may not throw snowballs at any time or any place around the school building or near the streets around the school buildings, whether on school property or not.
b. Student are financially responsible for any damages they do to school property.
c. Students caught tampering with computers or breaking the Computer Use Agreement will face loss of privileges with a possibility of suspension or expulsion.
Students who decide to appeal the decision of the principal in matters of discipline may schedule an appointment with the School Board along with one or both parents/guardian. All such requests must be in writing and be received by the President of the Board within one week of the principal’s decision. The School Board acts in an advisory capacity to the school administration. The principal is the final recourse in all disciplinary situations and may waive any disciplinary rule for just cause at his/her discretion.
Detention
Students who violate school rules will be given appropriate penalties. Detentions will take place Tuesdays before school (7:00am to 8:00am). Students are expected to arrive for detention on time. Late arrivals will be counted as a missed detention. Arrangements will be made for students who miss detention on a case by case basis. Parents will be notified by written discipline notice. After three one-hour detentions (behavior or tardies), a fine of $10.00 per detention will be issued for each additional detention assigned to the student with a maximum of three ($30). Students who are assigned a detention after this point will be issued an out-of-school suspension. Students who serve an out-of-school suspension will be responsible for work covered while on suspension. Students will not receive credit for this work, but will be responsible for its completion during the suspended time. Any additional detentions assigned will result in a $50.00 in-school suspension. This fee covers student supervision for this time. Failure to serve penalties when assigned constitutes grounds for additional detentions or suspensions until the penalty is served. Parents and students are assumed to accept this policy as a condition of attendance at St. Peter’s Middle School. Detentions are tallied per semester.
Standardized Testing
St. Peter’s Middle School administers standardized tests during the fall of each year. There is no charge for these tests. Students are required to take the tests administered during the school day.
Grading System
Diocesan Grade Scale:
A+ 100%
A 94-99%
A- 93%
B+ 92%
B 86-91%
B- 85%
C+ 84%
C 77-83%
C- 76%
D+ 75%
D 71-74%
D- 70%
BELOW 70% F
Semester grades are recorded on the student’s permanent record (transcript). All students receive quarterly report cards.
Deficient grade notices (D or F) are sent to parents every three weeks. Parents are notified as needed for students having academic difficulties.
Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled for the end of the first quarter, and individual conferences are set for those students who have definite needs throughout the year.
Honor Roll
St. Peter’s Middle School has both an all A honor roll and an A-B honor roll.
Homework - Make -up Work
Homework assignments are written on the board in each classroom. Each student will be provided with an assignment book in which he/she is to write down daily and special assignments. Unless specific arrangements for unusual circumstances are made with the teachers, late assignments will be accepted the day after the original date due at 20% off the total score. Assignments turned in the second day after the original due date will be graded with 30% off the total score. After that time assignments will be accepted to instill a sense of completion and to prepare for tests, but will carry no grade value. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain any class assignments and to submit homework on assigned dates when he/she is absent from school due to illness, co-curricular activities, etc. 1. Academic success is of the utmost importance for each student. Therefore, co-curricular activity schedules are not acceptable as excuses for not turning in assignments or for making up missed work or tests. 2. For make-up work due to other absences: Students are allowed one day for each day missed to compete make-up assignments. Any work missed while absent and not turned in by the date required by the teacher shall be recorded as a zero and averaged in with the quarterly grade.
Homework requests for absences must be requested by 10:00am and picked up after 2:30pm. The student is responsible to complete makeup work by the next class session for those classes meeting once a week.
No travel packets of classroom assignments will be given out prior to a student’s absence from school. All assignments will be made up after the student’s return to school.
Field Trips
Field trips are a link between school and community. Field trips are to be educational and directly related to the curriculum. Parents must sign the form in advance of the field trip if they wish their child to participate in the trip. Permission cannot be given verbally. Students will not be allowed to participate in the field trip if a signed form is not returned.
Textbooks
When textbooks are issued to students, the number of the textbook and child’s name are placed on a master book issue list kept by the classroom teacher. Students are responsible for the textbooks checked out to them and must pay for damaged or lost textbooks. Please report any lost or damaged books to the office immediately. Report cards are held until restitution is made.
Co-Curricular Activities
Co-Curricular activities are defined as those which a student freely chooses to do on his/her own outside class time. Examples are cheerleading, athletics, student council, quiz bowl, etc.
Regulations for all Classes and Clubs
1. Any project designed to raise money for school sponsored activities must be approved in advance by the principal.
2. Classes or other groups may form clubs, if approved by the principal.
3. The principal must approve the required adult sponsor for each club.
4. All meetings must be attended by the sponsor or an approved substitute.
5. All school clubs, organizations must be democratic in nature. The method of selecting members must be of a nature that will make it possible for any student who meets the requirements to become a member.
6. All meetings must be held in the school building unless the principal gives permission.
7. No classes or clubs shall hold initiations. Entrance into approved organizations will be called inductions and will be pre-approved by the principal.
8. No written communication may be sent home without prior approval of the principal.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a co-curricular activity, a student must have satisfactory academic standing. The previous mid-term or quarterly report will have no F’s recorded. In addition, a student must maintain satisfactory academic standing throughout the time period in which he/she is engaged in the activity in order to participate in the activity. This includes all sports, cheerleading, and other co-curricular activities offered by St. Peter’s Middle School.
Sports
St. Peter’s Middle School sponsors an interscholastic competitive program following MSHSAA guidelines for 7th and 8th grade soccer, basketball, volleyball, football, track and cheerleading. Students may go out for these sports if they can present proof of health insurance, a satisfactory physical examination report, a satisfactory academic record, and have written permission of their parents. Sixth grade students may participate in non-school sponsored sports. Students may participate in only one sport during the same season. Any student who if formally enrolled at St. Peter’s Middle School for the following semester and who agrees to abide by the handbook.
Tornado Alert
Signal - Long slow siren sound
Guidelines - silence, alertness and quickness are essential. Stay away from windows and cover your head with your arms for protection. Teachers will instruct students of routes at the beginning of school year.
Fire Alert
Signal - short, fast siren sound
Guidelines - Silence from the time the signal rings until you are back in class. Move immediately by row in single file out the assigned emergency exits. All windows and doors should be closed. Remain calm. Teachers will instruct students of routes at the beginning of school year.
Earthquake Procedure
In case of an earthquake, you won’t have time to think; you’ll only have time to react. The most important thing to do is DROP AND COVER. Crouch under a desk or table, tuck your head and keep your hands on the side of your neck unless you need to hold onto the legs of your shelter and move with it. After the quake, you will be notified personally to evacuate the building into a clear space. Aftershocks may occur without warning, minutes or even months after major earthquake. If one should occur during evacuation of the building. DROP AND COVER.
Crisis Management
In event of a crisis which causes evacuation of the school buildings for a period of time, students will be taken to St. Peter’s Church basement.
Asbestos Notification
JACS - In compliance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Act. of 1986, our facilities have been inspected by a certified asbestos inspector and a management plan has been developed by the diocese. Copies of these plans are available for your inspection at each school office.
Mandated Reporting
St. Peter’s Middle School abides by the state Child Protection and Reformation Act. (RSMO 210) that requires school personnel having reasonable cause to believe that a child known to them in their professional capacity may be an abused or neglected child must report to the Missouri Department of Family Services.
School/Principal’s Right to Amend the Handbook
Since this handbook cannot possibly handle all situations which may arise, decisions or revisions will be made at the discretion of the proper authorities. Parents will be given notification of changes that are made. The policies in this handbook have been ratified by the Joplin Area Catholic School Board of Education.
Class Schedule
School Hours: 8:00 – 3:10
Homeroom: 8:10 - 8:22
Regular Day:
1st Period 2nd Period 3rd Period Lunch Break 4th Period 5th Period 6th Period 7th Period
8:25-9:15 9:18-10:08 10:11-11:03 11:06-11:35 11:40-12:30 12:33-1:23 1:26-2:15 2:18-3:10
Mass Day:
1st Period 2nd Period 3rd Period Lunch Break 4th Period 5th Period 6th Period 7th Period
9:25-10:07 10:10-10:52 10:55-11:37 11:40-12:10 12:13-12:55 12:58-1:40 1:43-2:25 2:28-3:10
School Colors and Mascot
School colors are royal blue and white
School mascot is the “Warrior”
Contact Information
St. Peter’s Middle School
802 Byers
Joplin, Mo 64801
Phone: 417/624-5605
Fax: 417/624-6254
Greg Emory – Principal
Tammy Woods – Administrative Assistant