SCHOOL COLORS - Maroon and White

ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION SYMBOL - Saints

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Our own faculty members operate this extended care program which consists of snack time, supervised homework/study time and either indoor or outdoor recreation.

For the parents' convenience, we divide this into two periods. You may select either the first or both:

1. 3:00 PM until 4:15 PM

2. 4:15 PM until 5:30 PM

The cost, payable monthly, is based on the number of school days per

month. There are no refunds for absences. Payments must be up to date

for students to participate in any school activities (see TUITION).

This service is NOT available on a day to day basis.  It is only for those children who are pre-registered and attend on a regular basis.
 

ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

The PJPII Athletic Program is affiliated with the Philadelphia Archdiocese CYO athletic programs in the Chester County area.

An Athletic Board consisting of a Priest Moderator, Athletic Director, Commissioner of Sports, Treasurer, Equipment Manager, Field Coordinator, Webmaster and Secretary run the athletic program.
Our coaches are not professionals.  They are volunteers freely giving their time to help our children.  Any questions or concerns should be brought to the attention of the coach.  If the coach does not answer your questions or concerns, feel free to contact the Commissioner of Sports.  We encourage anyone with a question, comment, complaint, or even a compliment to contact the Commissioner of Sports, or any board member so issues can be addressed promptly and efficiently.

The Varsity level is very competitive within the CYO.  Healthy competition is expected.  Playing time is earned.  More complex skills and plays are required.  Team play, positive attitude, individual responsibility and self-motivation are expected.

The Junior Varsity level is competitive within the CYO.  Improvement of fundamental skills, self-confidence, team play and individual responsibility are stressed.  Starting positions are earned although there is playing time for all.

There are in addition, "B" level leagues that follow the same guidelines stated for Varsity and JV.  These students are increasing their skill levels to continue to play in a competitive and enjoyable manner.

The program offers to the students who attend Pope John Paul II, CCD or RREP participation in the following sports:

SPORTS PROGRAMS

Students may only participate in one school sport per season.

ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION MISSION STATEMENT

The Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic Elementary School Athletic Association is a school-based program, out of the consolidation of the five parishes, which provides opportunities for youth to grow in faith and understanding of their church through involvement of athletic endeavors.  Through a total youth ministry concept incorporating intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the student, the program strives to enhance the total Christian education experience.

Through the management by highly motivated, volunteer, adult leaders, students achieve life-long Christian characteristics of leadership, team play, self-motivation, determination, integrity, and dealing graciously in both victory and defeat.  This is achieved through competition with other schools within the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), for grades four through eight, in structured, supervised sporting events enabling maximum individual and team potential.

ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION RULES AND REGULATIONS

The following is a list of guidelines set forth by the Athletic Association in order to ensure the safety and well being of our student/athletics.  We ask that parents be willing to support their child in complying with all rules and regulations.

1.  If a child has fulfilled his/her sacramental obligation and does not attend RREP, a letter is needed from the pastor stating his/her active membership in the parish.

2.  All fees (registration or uniform) must be paid in order for student to participate in program.  Any part of the uniform the student does not return, i.e. hats, socks, etc is purchased at the athlete's expense.

3.  Every athlete is expected to behave in a Christian manner.  No CYO athlete, coach or spectator is permitted to refuse to abide by an official's decision or heap verbal abuse upon any athlete, coach, or official.  Please allow the coaches to do their job by refraining from any negative sideline coaching.  Any athlete, coach or spectator who is found guilty of any of the above violations may face a minimum five-game suspension.  Verbal or physical demonstrations against any player, coach, official or spectator will not be tolerated.

4.  Each athlete is a student first and an athlete second.  We realize the value of an extra-curricular program, but we also believe the academic progress of each student if of paramount importance.  Any student who is absent from school may not practice or play in a game for that day.

If a student is failing on the report card, the Athletic Association and the Faculty recommend that the parent remove the child from any sports program in an effort to avoid a failure on the report card.

Once a student does receive a failure or any 1's on the report card, especially conduct, that student is suspended from all sports for three weeks from the date of the report card.  This suspension includes practices, games, tournaments, competitions or all-star activities.  If grades, conduct and/or effort have not improved, the student cannot return to play until the approval is given by the teacher.  If a student receives more than 2 failure notices, he is ineligible to tryout for a sport.

Any athlete who receives a school suspension may not participate in any sport activity until completion of the suspension plus the next game following the suspension.  This will be check by the Commissioner of Sports.

5.  All uniforms are to be returned clean to the coach at the end of the season.  Any player not returning his/her uniform will be charged for replacement of the uniform.  All athletes must be properly uniformed for league games/meets.  (Shirts tucked in and pants worn at waist level).

6.  All jewelry is prohibited.

7.  Gum chewing at games and practices is prohibited.

8.  The coach must be contacted when an athlete will be unable to attend a practice or game.

9.  No athlete is permitted to leave the gym or field for any reason without permission of the coach.

10.  Please be prompt for all practices and games.  Team members must be at the game site one-half hour before starting time, and picked up promptly from both practices and games.  Please consider our coaches; they must remain until all children are picked up.  Due to insurance regulations, Children, other than the athletes, are not to be left at a practice or game unattended.  Coaches will not be responsible for the safety of other children.

11.  The Pope John Paul II team must be a player's first priority when playing on more than one team.  Scheduling conflicts must be worked out with the coach.

12.  When a teacher is attending a game/meet, please remember they are there to enjoy our children and the spirit of the game.  This is fun time, not conference time.

13.  We ask that spectators cheer in a positive manner.  Remember that the participants are not small adults; they are children playing a game.  The CYO is not a spectator sport for the benefit of coaches and parents.  All competitions are supposed to be enjoyable for the athletes.

ATTENDANCE

Our responsibility for the children begins at 8:00 AM and ends at 2:45 PM.
Children who arrive before 8:00 AM must remain in their bus or car and children who remain after 2:45 PM must join the After School Program - at a monthly fee.

Regular attendance is important since each time a child is absent from class he/she not only misses the work covered that day, but much of the first day on which the he/she returns.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE

To merit Perfect Attendance for the school year a student must attend the full day schedule each day and be on time each day. Students who come to school but leave before 11:30 AM because of sickness, etc. will be marked absent for the afternoon session.  If your school district of residence is closed due to inclement weather and Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic Elementary School is open, your child is not marked absent if you cannot get him/her to school.

LATENESS

A child is late for school if he/she is not in the designated homeroom by 8:15 a.m.  A child must be accompanied by his/her parent to the office for a late slip.  If a student is late because of a school bus delay, the lateness is excused.

EXCUSED ABSENCES

Illness, quarantine, doctor's appointment, death in the family, school  related absences, take your child to work days, absences prearranged with the principal and those due to exceptionally urgent matters are cause for excused absences.   However, the child is still marked absent for the time he/she is not in school.   A student's parent or guardian must provide a satisfactory written explanation for the student's absence. The student must present this note to the homeroom teacher upon return. If a student is absent for three or more days he/she must provide a doctor's note.

DENTAL and DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS

If at all possible, these appointments should be made at a time that would not take the child from his/her classwork. If it is absolutely necessary for a child to have a dental or medical appointment during school hours, the student must bring a written note requesting permission to leave school.

LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY

No student may leave school without permission. If a student must leave school during the course of the day, the parent or guardian must provide a written request for the student's release. The parent/guardian or authorized representative must come for the student and sign the child out of school in the office.

FAMILY VACATIONS

If you are planning a vacation with your child(ren) during the school year, please first check the school calendar to determine the holidays and early dismissals so as to avoid having the child(ren) miss valuable presentations of curriculum. Vacations are unexcused absences (see below). Assignments are given when a student returns from a vacation. All work must be completed within one week of returning to school.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

An elementary student who accumulates eighteen (18) or more unexcused absences for the year may be subject to the withholding of final passing grades, which may affect the child's promotion to the next higher grade. Absences are unexcused if they fail to meet the criteria of an excused absence.

CAFETERIA

SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM

Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic Elementary School participates in the School Lunch Program sponsored by Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Full price lunch is $1.90 per day for K through 5 and $2.00 for Grades 6-7-8. Parents who qualify may complete an application for reduced price lunch or free lunch. Applications are available online.

The menu is sent home in advance. Choose the meals you wish to purchase. Send one check payable to PJPII for the choices you make for the entire month.  Lunch payments are also accepted on a weekly basis.

Students must bring a lunch to school if they choose not to participate in the School Lunch Program.

Students may bring or purchase a snack for the morning recess period.

RULES OF BEHAVIOR

We expect each student to practice these general rules of good manners:

1. Observance of good table manners

2. Quiet conversation while eating

3. Leave the table and surrounding area clean

4. Place trash in the proper containers

5. Walk quietly out of the cafeteria

6. Absolutely no throwing of food at any time
 

The students will remain in the cafeteria until the volunteer lunch mother and the teacher take them outside. No student will re-enter the school building during lunch except for an emergency or if accompanied by a teacher or a parent designated by the teacher.

FORGOTTEN LUNCHES

If a student forgets his/her lunch, someone may deliver it to the school office. Please clearly identify the bag or lunch box with the student's name and grade.

CLASS SCHEDULE

Children may enter the school building at 8:00 AM.  The initial Bell rings at 8:15 AM, after that time students may only be admitted to class with a late slip obtained from the office.  Each grade prepares their class schedule which includes a mid-morning bathroom and snack break. 

The bell to end the school day rings at 2:40 PM for the final prayers of the day.  Dismissal starts at 2:45 PM. If a student misses their school bus, parents will be notified to pick up their child at the After School Program.  A nominal fee will be charged.

 CLOSINGS and DELAYS

PJPII follows the direction of Coatesville Area School District regarding cancellation, delay and closing decisions.  TV Channels 6, 8, 10 and 11 announce our closings.   Our school website also posts changes in the normal routine. 

Web sites offering information:
    PJPII Website:  www.popejohnpaul2sch.org
    NBC10 Website:       www.NBC10.com
    WPVI's Website:        www.WPVI.com
   

If your school district of residence is closed and PJPII is open you may bring your child to school and pick him/her up after school.  No transportation is provided if the district is closed.

Please do not call the school to inquire about school closings or early dismissal. If our phones are tied up with parents calling in, we may not receive the call from the district giving us the information.

In the event of emergency closings, it is impossible to contact the individual parent; therefore, please instruct your child as to where they are to go in case of an unforeseen or emergency closing. We suggest making arrangements with a relative, neighbor or friend.

COMMUNICATION

Our school communicates regularly with the parents through (1) a CALENDAR webpage on the school website  (2) a monthly calendar and (3) a monthly newsletter which are also listed on the school website.

CONFERENCES and APPOINTMENTS

We schedule an evening early in the school year for parents as a group to meet the teachers in the classroom setting. The teachers will present their goals and objectives for that particular class and outline their expectations of the students. We strongly encourage all parents not only to attend but to participate in the question and answer dialog.

After the first marking period, we arrange individual parent/teacher conferences.  This is an opportunity for teachers and parents to share mutual observations on the educational growth of the child.  You can expect to receive information in late November concerning scheduling these appointments.

If you wish an individual appointment at any other time, please send a written request to the individual teacher and include a suggested time and your telephone number. You may call the school office at 384-5961and access the teacher's voice mail to leave a message. In either event, the teacher will contact you to confirm the appointment. For obvious reasons, our teachers can not be called to the telephone during the school day, or meet with you without a prior appointment.

School meetings with the teachers or administration will take place only with the parents/guardians and their children.  No meetings will take place with a third party present (relative, friend, lawyer, counselor, etc.)

CURRICULUM

We believe that the most desirable teaching method is one that recognizes learning as a process of self-improvement which teaches the student to think, judge, and act for oneself according to sound principles and right reason.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

The development of faith and trust in God and neighbor is our priority. The curriculum centers on the study of Catholic Doctrine, combined with the constant effort to inspire consistent growth in a solid prayer life. Working with the family of each student, we ask the parents to uphold by word and example the efforts made at school, and through their Parish Priests, to develop strong citizens.

Our goal is to make each student's study and practice of religion become not merely a lesson learned, but a life lived. Since God is the central reality of our existence, the faculty strives to help students understand more fully the goodness of God, His message and His love by providing students with a variety of living and learning experiences.

The prime responsibility for the fulfillment of this obligation rests upon the parents since they are the first educators of their children. Parents have the responsibility of developing their children's love of the Eucharistic Celebration as the center of our Catholic Worship by providing the opportunity to assist at Mass every Sunday and on Holydays of Obligation.

We cannot stress often enough the importance of forming right consciences in regards to Catholic attitudes in fulfilling the Sunday Mass obligation and participating in an active life in your individual parish. We urge parents to participate in the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation with their children. Actions speak louderthan words: children imitate what they see in their parents.

Liturgical Celebration

Liturgies during the school day include Mass on the First Friday of most months, important occasions during the year and the closing of school.   Students in grades 3 through 8 receive the Sacrament of Penance at least twice a year. We encourage parents to receive this Sacrament with their child(ren) frequently in their home parish. Students participate in the Stations of the Cross and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament during the Season of Lent.

Sacramental Preparation

According to the directives of the Cardinal each child receives the Sacraments for the first time in the parish in which the family is registered. Each parish schedules its own preparation for the Sacraments; therefore, more responsibility is given to the parent as the prime educator.

Children in the 2nd grade prepare for First Penance and First Communion; in 5th and/or 6th/7th grades for Confirmation, depending upon the parish. Parents of children who are receiving these sacraments share with the priests and teachers the privilege of preparing their children for these sacramental experiences. Meetings, talks, discussions and presentations enable the child and parents to receive Our Lord and the Holy Spirit more intimately.

INTEGRATED LANGUAGE ARTS

The philosophy of Integrated Language Arts advocates the use of whole class instruction with flexible small grouping while using a literary anthology for instructional purposes.

Integrated Language Arts is the integration of reading, writing, thinking, listening and speaking. We accomplish this by combining the curriculum of Language Arts with the Reading program or Anthology used in each grade. The curriculum emphasizes the connections and relationships in the learning process. The result is that Reading and Language Arts become a unified whole.

Library

The school library is an integral part of the school's program and serves as a central source for both students and teachers. Its purpose is to assist its users to discover, evaluate and apply information. The student strengthens knowledge and skills in reading and other curriculum areas. They develop individualized tastes which enrich their future contribution to society. We urge parents to encourage the children to grow in love for reading.

We expect parents to share the responsibility of caring for the borrowed books and to be aware of the date on which these books are due. Students are responsible for the replacement value of books lost or destroyed.

Through the assistance of the library staff, our library is computerized in the Winnebago library system.

MATHEMATICS

The Mathematics Program focuses on the vision of the Standards for School Mathematics. This reflects the full breadth of relevant mathematics and its interrelationship with technology. We strive to build the student's confidence in his/her ability to become a problem solver so that the student learns to communicate and to reason. We employ modern techniques and procedures in the presentation of class material.

The school provides the opportunity for students who meet the qualifications to participate in an HONORS MATH PROGRAM starting in the 5th grade.  Those students complete Algebra I by the time they complete 8th grade.  The Principal determines the eligibility of students for the program following the guidelines provided by the Office of Catholic Education of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.  These guidelines are shared with all parents of 4th grade students during the school year.  At the end of 4th grade students who qualify are invited into the program.

SCIENCE

Children have a natural curiosity about the world around them. We channel this curiosity to develop critical thinking skills through the presentation of concept processes appropriate to the student's developmental and cognitive level. To this end, the students will perform research, conduct experiments and develop special projects.

SOCIAL STUDIES

In our Social Studies Program we present History as the story of people - their needs, emotions, problems, and struggles for improvement. By focusing on the dignity and destiny of men we strive to bring to the students the realization that people of every country have a common bond: namely, their responsibility to God and to each other, and the proper use of the natural resources of this earth.

The correlation of map and global studies with the study of History enables the student to visualize the location of the peoples studied in the past and the present.

MUSIC

All students receive instruction in the fundamentals of music.

Following the Archdiocesan guidelines, each grade receives:

Grades K - 4     - 45 minutes per week

Grades 5 - 8     - 55 minutes per week

The students learn sequenced concepts and skills through singing songs, listening to recorded music and playing rhythmic instruments and melodic bells. Instrumental Music classes are available for students in Grades 4 – 8.  Lessons are available for students in Grades 4 – 8.

COMPUTERS

Our program begins with introducing the computer to our kindergarten students and builds as the student progresses through 8th grade. The overall objective of our program is enrichment through curriculum oriented software in the Primary Grades as well as development in the older students of skills in word processing, spreadsheet operations, research and the creation of multi-media presentations.

Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic Elementary School has a computer room with 35 personal computers. We are committed to keeping pace with this exploding technology to the extent that our resources, both physical and financial, allow. The school has local network capability, wireless access points and a full T-1 Internet access.

Our program for the grades K to 4 includes:

1.  Microsoft Windows and popular Windows-based software

2. Word processing, and spreadsheet operations

3. Multi-media programs

4. Research using CD-ROMs and the Internet

5. Power Point

For grades 5 to 8 the program includes:

1. Microsoft Windows and popular Windows-based software

2. Word processing, spreadsheet operations and database applications

3. Multi-media programs

4. Research using CD-ROMs and the Internet

5. Power Point

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education develops the physical and mental growth of the child while fostering good sportsmanship as well. We develop skills in a gradual and sequential manner.

CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS

Altar Servers                                                 Scouts                           

After School Assistance                                Reading Olympics                               

After the Bell Activities                                Remedial Math & Reading

Athletic Program                                           Speech Therapy     

CARES Program                                           Standardized Testing  

Cheerleading                                                  Student Council                              

Contests                                                         Volunteer Aide Program
- Math, Spelling,  Art                                   

Guidance Program                                         Yearbook

Junior Companions in Prayer                                                         
 

DISCIPLINE

Discipline is a necessary reflection of the philosophy of  PJPII. The school and individual classrooms nurture a positive sense of self-discipline in order to provide an environment conductive to learning.  Effective discipline has as its end the development of students who respect themselves, other persons, and those in authority.  As a general rule, the classroom teacher manages the discipline issues of the class and enlists the help of the administration in cases involving serious or repeated misbehavior. 

DEMERIT SYSTEM

INFRACTIONS:

1) Improper behavior - including, but not limited to, disturbances in class (including Library, Gym, Music, Computer, Honors Math classes) church, playground/lunchroom. i.e. note passing, slamming books, unnecessary noises, talking to oneself or others, throwing food, loud, boisterous sounds, any disruption deemed by the classroom teacher to interrupt the educational process.  

2) Copying- the copying or giving of another’s assignments. The taking or giving of schoolwork that is not one’s own.  

3) Abusive Language – any inappropriate language used on school grounds 

4) Disrespect – any improper attitude or action displayed towards any teacher, staff member, volunteer parent, administrator or fellow student.  

5) Invading the privacy of another’s desk – teacher or student  

6) Gum chewing / eating in class – gum is not permitted on campus, including the school/church/parking lot; snacks may be eaten only at the designated time.  

7) Dress Code Violations –(see school policy on dress code) including, but not limited to: improper footwear , shirt-tails hanging out, missing belts, undershirts showing, makeup, short skirts, and nail polish).  

8) Damaging of any school, church or personal property 

9) Failure to return a signed demerit slip – demerits must be returned within two (2) school days  

10) Out of bounds - any student who is in the wrong place at the wrong time, being late for class, abusing bathroom privileges and wandering the halls 

11) Violations of any electronic use policies- including cell phones, I-Pods, electronic games (See School Handbook)  

12) Other – any other behavior that warrants attention not specified on the above list

SERIOUS INFRACTIONS

(May result in an immediate detention, suspension, or dismissal and apply when students are on campus, on a bus, or at a school-sponsored function. Examples of serious infractions including the following:

1) Truancy – unexcused absences  

2) Violent behavior – any fighting or behavior that causes physical injury  

3) Computer tampering  

4) Bullying - Verbal, physical or sexual harassment  

5) Blatant disrespect for authority – to any adult in the building  

6) Possession and/or use of drugs, narcotics, tobacco or alcoholic beverages on campus or on a bus  

7) Irreverence  

8) Vandalism & theft– destruction or defacing of school or church property 

9) Profane/obscene language or gestures or engaging in immoral conduct  

10) Possession of any item which may present a danger to others in school or out (ex. Weapons)  

11) Cutting Class 

12) Leaving campus without permission from a school authority  

13) Cheating/Plagiarism- Cheating on quizzes, tests, projects and any graded assignments.  

14) Forgery – handing in any school paper signed by anyone other than a parent or guardian.  

PROCEDURE FOR DEMERIT SYSTEM

Demerit slips must be signed by the parent/guardian on the night issued. These slips are to be returned to the homeroom teacher the following day. A Parent/guardian’s signature indicates that the parent/guardian has seen the demerit. It does not indicate the parent/guardian’s permission for the student to receive the demerit. The teacher issuing the demerit and the administration have already made that decision.

5 demerits = 1 detention

NOTE: After 3 detentions, the student, parent/guardian, and teacher will have a conference with the administration.

DETENTIONS

        DATE: WEDNESDAYS

        TIME: 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM (45 minutes)

        LOCATION: Classroom of Teacher on Duty

        ATMOSPHERE: Silent detention

        PICKUP TIME: 3:45 PM  

        LOCATION: Pickups at the bus loop