Hfcs Student Parent Handbook 2022-2023

Holy Family Catholic School
Student and Parent Handbook

2022 - 2023
2601 Ursuline Street

Galveston, TX 77550
409-765-6607
Jeanna Porter, M. Ed.

Principal
August 2022
The mission of Holy Family School is to form the whole child by shaping our students into future Saints
and Scholars.
Revised 8/10/2021
Family Handbook 2022-2023
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to Holy Family Catholic School. Our school operates under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of
Galveston-Houston, Office of Catholic Schools. We are accredited through the Texas Catholic Conference Education
Department, TCCB ED. We also hold membership in the National Catholic Educational Association, NCEA.
Parents and guardians, as the first teachers of their children, lay the foundation for learning and faith. We join as partners,
reinforcing and integrating our Christian values and educational experiences into the daily life of each student.
I am very excited that I have the great honor and responsibility of leading this wonderful school. I look forward to
partnering with all of the stakeholders of the school for the benefit of the students.
Thank you for being a part of the Holy Family Catholic School family. This handbook is meant to be used as a guide. If
questions arise regarding policy and procedures, we will discuss them and work out a solution that best suits the situation.
Although it may not address all situations, I have confidence that our team of faculty and staff will work together to
address each situation in a thoughtful manner based on Christian Catholic principles.
Our motto, Creating Saints and Scholars embodies our dedication as Christ’s disciples.
This year our theme is: We are the Hands and Feet of Christ.
The purpose of this School Student/Parent Handbook is to provide parents and students with information that will help
them understand school procedures and policies. Parents’ and students’ knowledge of the information in this handbook
along with their cooperation will help make for a successful and productive year for all. Communities are successful to the
degree to which the members are knowledgeable and are in accordance with the rules, regulations, and policies that
govern them. Parents assist and support the teachers and administration in the implementation and enforcement of the
student code of conduct, school policies, and regulations. It is expected that families abide by the policies, procedures, and
regulations set forth in this handbook. Parents and students are expected to sign the Handbook Acknowledgement Form. If
you have any questions about the contents of this handbook, please contact the school at 409-765-6607.
Please feel free to contact me via phone 409-765-6607 or email [email protected]. The school office is open Monday-
Friday from 7:30 AM-4:00PM.
Blessings,
Jeanna Porter, M.Ed.
Principal
The policies and regulations contained herein are for informational purposes only. The school maintains the right to
unilaterally amend or withdraw any policy or matter set forth herein at any time. Parents and guardians will be
notified of updates.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Preface
The Catholic Schools of the

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
In the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Catholic schools may be a part of a parochial structure, regional, or
private. All are approved by the Archbishop and the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Education Department and the
Texas Catholic Conference Accreditation Commission.
Each school in the Archdiocese must come to an awareness of its own reason for existence and of its purpose within the
context of the mission of the Church. The Church has a threefold mission:
(1) Imparting the message of Jesus, the Christ

(2) Advancing the building of Christian community.
(3) Showing what the Good News is by the quality and character of service to the community. Those in Catholic schools
draw their purpose and meaning from this context and function as one effective element in the Church's ministry of
furthering these goals.
"Christian education is intended to make one's faith become living, conscious and active through the light of instruction.
The Catholic School is the unique setting within which this ideal can be realized in the lives of Catholic children and
young people" (To Teach as Jesus Did, #102). This integration is present in the Catholic School not only through its
unique curriculum but, more importantly, through the presence of teachers who express an integrated approach to learning
and living in their private and professional lives. It is further reinforced through free interaction among the students
themselves within their own community of youth.
UNIVERSAL RIGHT TO AN EDUCATION
"All humankind of every race, condition and age, since they enjoy the dignity of a human being, have an inalienable
right to an education that is in keeping with their ultimate goal, their ability, their sex and the culture and tradition
of their country, and also in harmony with their fraternal association with other peoples in the fostering of true unity
and peace on earth. For a true education aims at the formation of the human person in the pursuit of their ultimate
end and of the good of the societies of which they are a member, and in whose obligations, as an adult, they will
share."(#1)
Declaration on Christian Education

SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL
ROLE OF PARENTS
Since parents have conferred life on their children, they have a most solemn obligation to educate their offspring. Hence
p arents must be acknowledged as the first and foremost educators of their children. Their role as educators is so
decisive that scarcely anything can compensate for their failure in it.
It is particularly in the Christian family, enriched by the grace and sacrament of matrimony, that from their earliest
years, children should be taught, according to the faith received in baptism, to have knowledge of God, to worship
Him, and to love their neighbor.
"While belonging primarily to the family, the task of imparting education requires the help of society as a whole. As
for Catholic parents, the Council calls to mind their duty to entrust their children to Catholic Schools, when and
where this is possible, to support such schools to the extent of their ability, and to work along with them for the
welfare of their children."(#3)
Declaration on Christian Education
REVISED 8/18/2021
SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL

DEDICATED TO A SPECIFIC MISSION
Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston call young people to holiness and prepare them to live and
proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In collaboration with families, we teach the values of our faith and tradition, serve
our community, and ensure academic excellence. Our schools are committed to the evangelizing mission of the Church
to educate and form witnesses who transform the world.
This mission statement calls forth beliefs that affirm the missionary dynamics of all Catholic Schools in the
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. They are:
Foster a Catholic Identity

We call young people to holiness and prepare them to live and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ as they bring
Catholic teachings and values into their lives and the global world.
Invest in Community Building

We are committed to building a communal spirit that is the heart and reality of Christian formation.
Provide Quality Education

We teach knowledge and critical skills so that students function fully as citizens within a changing
technological and multicultural society.
Encourage Moral Formation

We lead by example in teaching moral values that encourage respect and responsibility.
Appreciate Families
We recognize the family as the basic faith community in which all members share as active participants in the
educational process.
Support Parish Life

We believe that the school contributes to the parish through the formation of students as active participants of the
parish community.
Share Governance
We seek support and participation from those who share a common vision, mission and philosophy.
Seek Equitable Distribution

We are challenged to determine how to be the best stewards of the resources and to equitably share in their just
distribution so that there is quality and affordability to families and our Church.
REVISED 8/18/2021
CODE OF CANON LAW – 1983
Canon 217 Since they are called by baptism to lead a life in keeping with the teaching of the gospel, the Christian
faithful have the right to a Christian education by which they are to be instructed properly to strive for the maturity of
the human person and at the same time to know and live the mystery of salvation.
Title III - Catholic Education
Canon 793 §1. Parents and those who take their place are bound by the obligation and possess the right of educating their
offspring. Catholic parents also have the duty and right of choosing those means and institutions through which they can
provide more suitably for the Catholic education of their children, according to local circumstances.
§2. Parents also have the right to that assistance, to be furnished by civil society, which they need to secure the Catholic
education of their children.
Canon 794 §1. The duty and right of educating belongs in a special way to the Church, to which has been divinely
entrusted the mission of assisting persons so that they are able to reach the fullness of the Christian life.
§2. Pastors of souls have the duty of arranging everything so that all the faithful have a Catholic education.
Canon 795 Since true education must strive for complete formation of the human person that looks to his or her final end as
well as to the common good of societies, children and youth are to be nurtured in such a way that they are able to
develop their physical, moral, and intellectual talents harmoniously, acquire a more perfect sense of responsibility and
right use of freedom, and are formed to participate actively in social life.
Chapter I: Schools
Canon 796 §1. Among the means to foster education, the Christian faithful are to hold schools in esteem; schools are the
principal assistance to parents in fulfilling the function of education.
§2. Parents must cooperate closely with the teachers of the schools to which they entrust their children to be educated;
moreover, teachers in fulfilling their duty are to collaborate very closely with parents, who are to be heard willingly and
for whom associations or meetings are to be established and highly esteemed.
Canon 797 Parents must possess a true freedom in choosing schools; therefore, the Christian faithful must be
concerned that civil society recognizes this freedom for parents and even supports it with subsidies; distributive justice is to be
observed.
Canon 798 Parents are to entrust their children to those schools which provide a Catholic education. If they are unable to do
this, they are obliged to take care that suitable Catholic education is provided for their children outside the schools.
Canon 799 The Christian faithful are to strive so that in civil society the laws which regulate the formation of youth also
provide for their religious and moral education in the schools themselves, according to the conscience of the parents.
Canon 800 §1. The Church has the right to establish and direct schools of any discipline, type and level.
§2. The Christian faithful are to foster Catholic Schools, assisting in their establishment and maintenance according to
their means.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Canon 801 Religious institutes whose proper mission is education, retaining their mission faithfully, are also to strive to
devote themselves to Catholic education through their schools, established with the consent of the diocesan bishop.
Canon 802 §1. If schools which offer an education imbued with a Christian spirit are not available, it is for the diocesan
bishop to take care that they are established.
§2. Where it is expedient, the diocesan bishop is to make provision for the establishment of professional schools,
technical schools, and other schools required by special needs.
Canon 803 §1. A Catholic school is understood as one which a competent ecclesiastical authority or a public ecclesiastical
juridic person directs or which ecclesiastical authority recognizes as such through a written document.
§2. The instruction and education in a Catholic school must be grounded in the principles of Catholic doctrine;
teachers are to be outstanding in correct doctrine and integrity of life.
§3. Even if it is in fact Catholic, no school is to bear the name Catholic school without the consent of competent ecclesiastical
authority.
Canon 804 §1. The Catholic religious instruction and education which are imparted in any schools whatsoever or are
provided through the various instruments of social communication are subject to the authority of the Church. It is for the
conference of bishops to issue general norms about this field of action and for the diocesan bishop to regulate and watch over
it.
§2. The local ordinary is to be concerned that those who are designated teachers of religious instruction in schools,
even in non-Catholic ones, are outstanding in correct doctrine, the witness of a Christian life and teaching skill.
Canon 805 For his own diocese, the local ordinary has the right to appoint or approve teachers of religion and even to
remove them or demand that they be removed if a reason of religion or morals requires it.
Canon 806 §1. The diocesan bishop has the right to watch over and visit the Catholic schools in his territory, even those
which members of religious institutes have founded or direct. He also issues prescripts which pertain to the general
regulation of Catholic schools; these prescripts are valid also for schools which these religious direct, without prejudice,
however, to their autonomy regarding the internal direction of their schools.
§2. Directors of Catholic Schools are to take care under the watchfulness of the local ordinary that the instruction which is
given in them is at least as academically distinguished as that in the other schools of the area.
Catholic Schools of Texas Mission Statement
The mission of Catholic Education in Texas is the fulfillment of the educational ministry of the Catholic Church and has as its
primary goal the ongoing formation of the Christian person. It aims at the development of the individual’s moral, intellectual,
social, cultural, and physical endowments.
As an educational ministry, the Catholic Schools must respond to the needs of the whole person with qualifications and effective
experiences in teaching.
The spiritual dimension is integrated in the three-fold responsibility of proclaiming the message revealed by God in work and
deed, of building community and Christian fellowship, and fulfillment of the imperative of social justice, servicing our fellow
man through sharing spiritual and temporal goods with those in need.
The intellectual dimension is met through a comprehensive offering of variety of learning experiences that assist the student to
attain the goals of the various areas of instruction, to prepare them to cope with the societal demands, to understand and to
participate in civic and governmental activities, and to appreciate the worth of each person and his culture.
REVISED 8/18/2021
The physical dimension is met through programs that prepare the student to have the knowledge and understanding of their
physical and psychological structure and the environmental concerns that affect their well-being.
To attain this educational ministry, the educational ministry of the Catholic Church serves the elementary, secondary, and
university school system in Texas and the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Mission Statement
Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston - Houston call young people to holiness and prepare them to live and proclaim
the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In collaboration with families, we teach the values of our faith and tradition, serve our community,
and ensure academic excellence. Our schools are committed to the evangelizing mission of the church to educate and form
witnesses who transform the world.
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Philosophy
We believe that the curriculum of the Catholic schools of the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese involves a total, Christ-Centered
environment. This environment enables a community of learners to live and model Christian Catholic values and ethics.
We believe the pivotal point of the curriculum for each student is interaction with teachers. The vehicle for this interaction is the
content area, central to the educational process.
We believe in a learner-centered curriculum that recognizes and supports the uniqueness of the individual and the development of
the whole person. Therefore, our curriculum is based on the firm belief that every child, regardless of his/her preferred learning
style, can learn and reach beyond the level which he/she has already mastered.
We believe that rapid-societal changes challenge us to continually evaluate and update our curriculum utilizing current
educational research and technological advances. We are therefore committed to the continuous professional growth of all
responsible for delivering the educational process.
Finally, we believe that the outcome of all learning experiences in a Catholic school is the formation of an active, life-time
learner. Each student becomes a Christian eager to embrace his/her responsibility of “message, community and service” to the
world.
Holy Family Catholic School Education Philosophy
Holy Family Catholic School is an expression of the educational mission of the community of Holy Family Catholic Parish. Its
focus is on the individual child's spiritual, moral, intellectual, social, cultural, and physical development. In an environment of
mutual respect, dignity, and appreciation of one's giftedness, students are challenged to develop and grow. It is the goal of Holy
Family School to prepare its students to be productive members of society, to be living examples of the Catholic Christian truths
and values that are taught, to be able to respond to the needs of the community and to have a global perspective of the needs of
our earth.
Holy Family Catholic School Mission Statement
The mission of Holy Family School is to form the whole child by shaping our students into future Saints and Scholars.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Holy Family Catholic School Vision Statement
The vision of Holy Family Catholic School is to offer a rigorous curriculum with highly motivated, certified and innovative
teachers. Our school educates with long-standing and proven educational principles combined with new technology initiatives
that challenge our students intellectually. Our learning environment is family oriented and is based on a strong Catholic identity.
Holy Family Catholic School is a welcoming Christian community where children from all religious backgrounds come together
for their total educational and moral formation.
Holy Family Catholic School Goals 2022-2023
• Educate and form the total person spiritually, intellectually, personally, socially, and physically while recognizing
the dignity of each student as a member of the Catholic educational community.
• Identify each child's spiritual, moral, social, academic, and physical needs.
• Celebrate Catholic traditions through daily prayer, regular liturgical and sacramental experiences, a solid program of
Catholic religious studies, and the teaching of Catholic moral standards.
• Promote traditional Catholic educational values by emphasizing high academic standards and achievement.
• Support each child to understand the needs of the community and his/her role as a caretaker of God's creation.
Holy Family Catholic School Objectives 2022-2023
• Each student will demonstrate age-appropriate understanding of Catholic Church’s teachings.
• Each student will demonstrate age-appropriate incorporation of moral values, in actions toward one another, and the
community through learning and serving in parish, local and global capacities.
• Each student will demonstrate respect, dignity, and Christ's love to one another and the community.
• Each student will be able to respond, using Christian truths and values, to the needs of their local and global communities
through educational and service opportunities.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Accreditation
Holy Family Catholic School is fully accredited by the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department. The Texas Catholic
Conference of Bishops’ Education Department (TCCB ED) is recognized by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) as the official
accreditation agency for Catholic schools in the State of Texas. The Texas Catholic Conference Accreditation Commission
(TCCAC) was established to assist and give direction to the TCCB ED. Membership consists of the TCCB ED Director of
Education, 6 Superintendents of the present 15 Archdioceses/Dioceses, 6 commissioners-at-large and two bishops who serves as
Episcopal Liaisons. Standing committees of this Accreditation Commission have been formed to ensure smooth operation and
ongoing planning of the accreditation process. The commission is responsible for the accreditation process, school compliance,
and accreditation status.
Accreditation is the act of granting credit or recognition, especially to an educational institution that maintains suitable standards.
Accreditation is necessary to any person or institution that needs to prove that they meet a general standard of quality.
Accreditation takes place every seven years. It includes an all-encompassing self-study process that reviews, Catholic identity,
academics (curriculum, instruction and assessment), student services and activities, governance administration and management,
and plant and facilities. Every year all Catholic schools are required to submit a shortened version of the self-study document to
TCCB ED to maintain accreditation and update school data.
The accreditation will take place during the fall of 2022. Faculty and school families were part of the self-study process which
took place during the 2021-2022 school year.
The purpose of accreditation is to:
• Ensure continuous improvement and to enrich Catholic schools in the state of Texas through periodic evaluation and
resulting accountability.
• Ensure students’ credits in accredited private schools are transferable to Texas public schools.
• Ensure teachers’ service in accredited private schools is recognized for salary increment purposes in Texas public
schools.
We will continue to work on improving our school and continue to review, improve and implement the HFCS Strategic Plan.
Asbestos
All schools were inspected for asbestos in 1988. No further action needs to be taken if an asbestos report states that there is no
asbestos in the school. The asbestos report is kept for 30 years. The last inspection was completed in May 2022. There is no
asbestos on the HFCS campus.
School Calendar
A copy of the current school year calendar may be found at the school's website: hfcsgalv.org.
Holy Family Catholic School Phone Numbers
Holy Family Catholic School Office (7:30-4:00) 409-765-6607

Holy Family Catholic Church Office 409-354-6598
REVISED 8/18/2021
Organization of The Texas Catholic School System
Archbishop, Ordinary of the Archdiocese
The Archbishop, as the Ordinary the Archdiocese, possesses full and complete authority in the Archdiocese and therefore is the
head of all Catholic schools and all parish religious education programs in the Archdiocese. He has the ecclesiastical authority to
watch over and inspect educational programs within the Archdiocese, including the right to issue directives concerning the
general regulation of such programs.
The Archbishop, as the chief representative of the church’s teaching authority, is the head of the Archdiocesan System of Schools.
The Superintendent carries out the administration of the schools. Religious Education is under the guidance of the Director of the
Office of Continuing Christian Education.
Superintendent
The Superintendent of Catholic Schools is appointed by and responsible to the Archbishop and represents him in the
administration and supervision of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese. The Superintendent is a member of the Cardinal’s Cabinet.
The Superintendent of Catholic Schools, under the authority of the Archbishop, shall be responsible for the establishment and
implementation of Archdiocesan policies governing Catholic schools and for the direction of the Catholic Schools Office (CSO)
in providing guidance and support services to Catholic schools in the Archdiocese.
Catholic Schools Office (CSO)
The CSO serves the elementary and secondary school throughout the archdiocese. It recruits principals and teachers who share
and respect Catholic values. The Catholic School Office provides leadership in developing curriculum guidelines for teachers and
assumes responsibility for upgrading school programs in accordance with accreditation standards of the Texas Catholic
Conference Accreditation Commission.
Catholic Schools Office Liaison
Each school is assigned a school Liaison from the leadership team at the Catholic Schools Office. This Liaison works in
collaboration with the school’s leadership to assist in compliance to TCCB ED and Archdiocesan policies, procedures, and
requirements. The school Liaison also serves as a source of support and encouragement to the school community, especially the
Pastor and Principal.
Archdiocesan School Council
The Archdiocesan School Council exists to provide support to School Advisory Boards in their work to advise the Pastor and
Principal in the work of fulfilling the campus strategic plan.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Pastor
The school is a religious and spiritual ministry of the parish. The Archbishop, therefore, has ultimate authority for matters of faith
at the school. However, the Pastor of the parish, has ultimate responsibility for the operation and administration of the school.
The Pastor is the ex-officio head of the school. As such, he is responsible, for approving the policies of the school according to
the needs of the parish, but always in harmony with the policies and regulations of TCCB ED, the Catholic Schools Office and
The Archdiocese of Galveston - Houston.
The role of the Pastor in the successful mission of the parish school is of vital importance. In union with the liturgical and
sacramental life of the parish, the formation of faith and intellectual development illumined by the Gospel message to children,
youth, and adults, is central to the life of the parish.
The Pastor delegates the direction of the school program and the ordinary administration of the school to the Principal. The
Pastor, with the Principal, shall establish the terms of such delegation and the means of regular and formal communication on
school matters. In the Inner City Catholic Schools (ICCS), financial oversight is a collaboration between the Pastor, Principal,
Archdiocesan Finance Office, and the Catholic Schools Office; however, it is the ultimate responsibility of the Principal and
assistance should be sought when needed.
The Pastor is an ex-officio member of the School Advisory Board.
In order to remain accredited under the TCCB ED, a Pastor shall consult with the Superintendent of Catholic Schools with regard
to hiring, supervising, and evaluating the Principal.
The Pastor supports the Principal in conflict resolution of school issues, according to the principle of subsidiarity, by referring
individuals or groups back to the teacher or Principal.
Principal
As the educational head of the school, the principal is held accountable to operate the school in accordance with the Texas
Catholic Conference Accreditation Commission and the guidelines of the CSO. Specifically, the principal is the school’s spiritual,
educational, and managerial leader.
The Principal builds a Catholic, Christian community of faith in which the Catholic message and experiences of community,
worship, service, and social concern are integrated in all areas of the school and throughout the curriculum. Additionally, a
paramount responsibility is to promote and facilitate student learning of the highest quality in accordance with Canon Law
#806.2, which states “Directors of Catholic schools are to take care under the watchfulness of the local ordinary that the
instruction which is given in them is at least as academically distinguished as that in the other schools of the area.”
The Principal has the following major responsibilities:
a) Administers the total school program, including extracurricular activities and before and after school programs.
b) Supervises and evaluates the teachers, the students, and the instructional program and hires an appropriate number of
faculty and staff which is commensurate with enrollment and the financial ability of the school.
c) Oversees the operation of the facility and should be present on campus when school is in session.
d) Supervises all support staff members.
e) Interacts with the parent, parish (es), and general public communities.
f) Works to maintain and grow enrollment.
g) Collaborates with and seeks counsel from the Catholic Schools Office.
REVISED 8/18/2021
h) Prepares, follows, adheres to, and gets approval for the budget.
i) Executes school policy.
j) Fulfills accreditation criteria articulated by Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops’
Education Department and other accrediting agencies.
k) Ensures that there is a person named as second-in-command when the Principal is off campus; this should be
communicated to faculty, staff, parents, and students.
l) Ensures that both the instruction and the teachers adhere to the principles of Catholic doctrine.
m) Ensures that employees follow the term of their employment contract or letter of employment.
n) Utilizes Archdiocesan offices to support their work in specific areas where departments can off expertise
o) Consult with Legal Department to vet contracts and understand legal documents related to school business.
HFCS School Advisory Council
The local School Advisory Council is advisory, not regulatory, and consults with the pastor and principal in developing policies,
budgets, and financing. The local Advisory Council, in consultation with the pastor and principal, is charged with the
responsibility of implementing Archdiocesan Board of Education Policy.
School Advisory Councils assist the Principal and Pastor in parish schools or the Principal and designated Pastor in Archdiocesan
regional schools to recommend policy, identify and articulate the educational needs and aspirations of the school and school
community, achieving enrollment goals, financial stability and engage in long-range strategic planning.
Advisory Council members are required to attend workshops each year for proper involvement in the educational process.
Policies are developed when needs arise within the school community. The need for policy is usually initiated by the principal but
can be initiated by anyone within the school community. Parents, parishioners, and community members are elected as members.
The board meets bi-monthly.
Parents
Parents are the primary educators of their child. They are responsible for contributing to a positive learning environment at the
school and any school-related activities. For a detailed list of responsibilities, refer to the HFCS Parent-Student Handbook.
Teachers
Teachers employed in the parish school meet the standards of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Education Department
(TCCB ED). Teachers are responsible for contributing to a positive learning environment at school and any school-related
activities. All teachers are responsible for living out the Catholic philosophy, demonstrating success in the instructional process,
interpersonal relationships, professional growth, and professionalism within the classroom and in the community. All teachers are
required to participate in and complete Catechist Certification Classes. Teachers that teach religion are required to complete the
coursework in three years. Teachers, not teaching religion, have five years to complete the training. The goal of having 100% of
teachers complete Catechist Certification Classes is to ensure that Catholicism is integrated across the curriculum. Capernaum is
the website that tracks Catechist Certification hours, progress and offers classes. All faculty and staff have access to the site.
Substitute Teachers
It is incumbent upon the classroom teacher to see that a substitute teacher’s time is productive. All teachers must have a substitute
folder in a centrally-located place which includes class list, lesson plans, seating chart, and review plans for days when the lesson
plans cannot be followed. An emergency sub plan including a class list, student helpers, a teacher that can answer questions
pertaining to the classroom, behavior plan, allergies, schedule (including lunch, recess and ancillary classes), 3 days of class
activities/work and any other information that will support learning in the classroom in the teacher’s absence. The items must be
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in the teacher’s mailbox or in a designated area in the classroom, for emergency purposes, by August 26, 2021. The folder must
be updated as class lists and/or protocols change. Plans must be updated once per semester to keep expectations current and
ensure that class time is used effectively in times of absence.
Administrator on Duty
Each Catholic School must have a designated person responsible for decisions/actions that must be made or taken. When the
principal is on duty, he/she will be the Administrator on Duty. The principal will designate a person to serve as the Administrator
on Duty whenever he/she is off-campus. This designation will be known by the pastor, faculty and staff. The Administrators on
duty for the 2022-2023 school year is Karen Stowe.
Administrative Assistant
The administrative assistant assists the principal with the office, school and events. The administrative assistant assists the
principal with new student registration and general organization of the office and files. The administrative assistant supports
parents with FACTS/SIS issues pertaining to tuition, incidental billing, attendance, etc. Lauren Marmaduke is the administrative
assistant.
Health Coordinator
The health coordinator dispenses medications, administers first aid and keeps all of the medical records current. The health
coordinator also completes health reports that are required by the CSO. The health coordinator works with the principal to offer
trainings on health issues such as food allergies and other conditions that require medical attention at school. The health
coordinator works with the principal to ensure all administrative tasks are completed. Please, notify in writing our health
coordinator regarding any food-related allergies that your child might have. She will in turn notify your child's teacher(s). Lauren
Marmaduke is the health coordinator.
Admissions and Attendance Policies and Procedures
Conditions of Admission
A student is admitted to a school with the understanding that he/she is admitted on a conditional basis with the length of the
conditional period and the criteria of evaluation to be removed from conditional acceptance clearly established in writing. The
school’s conditional acceptance policy shall be written in the Parent/Student handbook and in the school’s admission policy.
Conditional students who fail to meet the expectations of the school or to follow school policies and procedures, are subject to be
administratively withdrawn from the school, pending approval from the Superintendent of Catholic Schools and the Chancellor
and Moderator of the Curia.
For a student to be enrolled or re-enrolled in any Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, the student must be in
financial good standing. The principal will make every effort to collect all tuition, fees, and any other outstanding financial
obligations prior to re-enrollment. Principals shall also contact the student’s previous Catholic School to ensure there are no
outstanding financial obligations at that school. A family owing money to another Catholic School should not be admitted.
Additionally, there shall be no expectation that a current student will be automatically re-admitted to or re-enrolled in the school.
Each year, students will be invited to re- enroll at the discretion of the principal. Students who are not invited to re-enroll may not
grieve this decision
REVISED 8/18/2021
Nondiscriminatory Policy Regarding Student Admissions
Holy Family Catholic School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs
and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Holy Family Catholic School does not discriminate
on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship
and loan programs and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Admissions Policy
Holy Family Catholic School is an equal opportunity, fully accredited school, educating grades pre-kindergarten through eighth
grade. Holy Family School admits all students to the rights, privileges, programs and activities made available to the student
body. The school adheres to the policies stipulated by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The following policies have been
formulated in relation to student admissions:
The Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston admit all students to the rights, privileges, programs, and activities
made available to the student body. They shall not discriminate based on race, color, age, national, or ethnic origin in the
administration of its admission, financial, athletic, or scholarship programs.
Children must meet the age requirements as outlined by the Archdiocese. Typically, students must meet the following age
requirements for admission. All enrollment materials must be submitted online. Students entering a:
- PK3 or PK4 classroom must be 3 or 4 years old, respectively, on or before September 1;

- Kindergarten class must be 5 years old, on or before September 1; and
- First (1st) grade class must be 6 years old, on or before September 1.
The child's birth certificate must be presented for proof of age. Other documents that must be provided are:
- Application
- Release of Confidential Information form
- Certified birth certificate
- Baptismal certificate, if applicable
- Academic records (including achievement test scores)
- Health records
- Student Information form
The principal reserves the right to contact any former schools the child may have attended. It is HFCS policy that the principal has
the authority to accept or refuse admittance of any individual as a student at this school for any reason. This decision is based on
the State and Archdiocesan policies for admittance and on all information received from the applicant at the time the application
for admittance is made. All new students are accepted on a provisionary basis. A complete immunization record indicating that
requirements are met, with a physician's signature, is required at the time of registration. Archdiocesan policy requires that any
new student present written evidence of TB testing and the results.
All prekindergarten and kindergarten students must be bathroom independent prior to the first day of school. For HFCS purposes,
“bathroom independent” means that the child identifies his/her need to go to the bathroom, independently removes his/her pants
and replaces his/her clothing, and calls for assistance, as needed. Teachers and staff members cannot spend valuable instructional
time in the restroom teaching students these skills that are to be taught at home. If the child is not bathroom independent, he/she
may be withdrawn from school until he or she can use the restroom independently.
All new students are required to have an interview with the principal, principal's designee, or a teacher. At the time of pre-
registration, a packet is provided to each family. This packet contains a tuition schedules, payment plans, information sheet, etc.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Re-enrollment for current students is not automatic. Families with outstanding financial obligations will not be able to re-enroll
until all accounts are clear. Families who consistently violate policies or who do not promote the campus in positive
communications will not be allowed to re-enroll. Students who consistently pose discipline concerns will not be invited to register
online.
HFCS considers the following priorities when setting timelines for accepting admission applications:
1. Students currently enrolled in HFCS and their siblings

2. Parishioners
3. Non-parishioners
Families who consistently violate policies or who do not promote the campus in positive communications will not be issued
registration packets. Student with parents who consistently disregard or question the HFCS Code of Conduct and campus
expectations will be prohibited from online enrollment.
Vacancies must exist within the established teacher/pupil ratio. All required forms must be entered on-line through the
FACTS/SIS System, and fees paid before placement is assured. Forms include: registration papers, emergency card, record of
birth and sacraments received, health records, teacher recommendation (if applicable), and achievement records. Students asked
to withdraw or those removed from Holy Family School for disciplinary reasons may reapply for the upcoming school year under
the following conditions:
1. Student must be in good standing and have remained free of disciplinary actions at current school.
2. Student must have completed the academic grade level the student was in while at Holy Family and been
recommended to the next grade level by the current school.
3. Student's most recent report card must accompany re-admittance application. Applications will be considered no
earlier than February 1st before the upcoming school year.
4. Space must be available in the student's grade level.
5. The Holy Family principal and admissions committee will review the application and report card. Upon review the,
Principal and committee must agree that the student should be re-admitted to Holy Family. Re-admittance shall be
probationary with 9-week periods set up for review. The review shall be performed by the school administrator every
nine (9) weeks for the school year of re-admittance.
6. HFCS is blessed to be able to offer financial aid to families in need. Contact Jeanna Porter or Lauren Marmaduke to
request the financial aid packet. All financial aid information is reviewed solely by the Finance Committee and is
kept confidential.
Students may be admitted to the seventh and/or eighth grade at the start of the school year if there is space available in
accordance with the established teacher/student ratio, and
• They have been attending a Catholic school in another out-of-town location, or

• They are returning to Holy Family School and have met all other admission requirements.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Age Requirements
All admissions and re-admissions are at the discretion of the administration and the admissions committee.
Prekindergarten (3-year-old room)
• A pupil entering prekindergarten must have reached his/her third birthday on or before September 1. The child must be
able to use the restroom independently. The child’s social, emotional, and physical development can be affected by a child
who is not independent in the restroom and who has regular accidents in the classroom in front of other children. Some
children will have accidents at the beginning of school until they know where the bathroom is located, but most of these
problems stop by the end of the first week. If there is an accident, the nurse will assist the student in cleaning up.
• After 30 days and 3 accidents, parents will be called to assist the student in changing. All students must be
completely independent in the bathroom before enrolling in the early childhood program.
Prekindergarten (4-year-old room)/Kindergarten/First Grade
• A pupil entering PK-4 must reach their fourth birthday on or before September 1. A pupil entering kindergarten must
have reached his/her fifth birthday on or before September 1. A pupil entering first must have reached his/her sixth
birthday on or before September 1.
• Students transferring to Holy Family School are accepted on their grade level. The birth certificate,
baptismal/sacramental certificates, current report card, transfer notice, completed teacher recommendation form, and the
standardized test results are required for enrollment. A copy of the cumulative record will be requested from the previous
school for every transfer student. Additional testing may be required before the student is officially accepted into Holy
Family Catholic School.
Legal Surname Used for Official Admission Records
A student must be identified by the student’s legal surname, as it appears on the student’s birth certificate or other document
suitable as proof of the student’s identity, or in a court order changing the student’s name (Education Code 25.0011).
Legal Sex Identification for Official Admission Records
A student must be identified in school by the student’s legal sex, as it appears on the student’s birth certificate. (“Sex” means the
biological condition of being male or female as based upon physical differences at birth.)
Parental Responsibility
Holy Family Catholic School believes that the parents are important partners in the education of their children. The leadership,
role-modeling, and training given by parents strongly influence the behavior and performance of the child. In enrolling your child
in this Catholic school, you agree to these important responsibilities:
• Understand and support the religious nature of the school.

• Read all communications from the school, including letters, emails and online grading programs.
• Discuss in a sincere and respectful manner any parental concerns with the person most directly involved.
• Monitor the child's progress by reviewing homework assignments, class work assignments, tests, and agenda daily.
• Ensure that the child arrives at school in proper attire and on time.
REVISED 8/18/2021
• Meet your financial obligations in a timely manner.

• Support school policies and the authority of the administration and teachers.
• Monitor the child's use of social-networking sites, such as Facebook and Instagram as well as all internet activity.
Disruptive, threatening, or illegal behavior of a parent/guardian may result in the expulsion of that student.
Non-Custodial Parent
The school abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the rights of noncustodial parents. In the absence
of a court order to the contrary, the school will provide the noncustodial parent with access to the academic records and to other
school-related information regarding his/her 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.
Separated and Divorced Parents
Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston conform to appropriate court orders governing rights and duties of
parents regarding their child(ren). Divorced and/or separated parents are required to file with Holy Family Catholic School
certified copies of the most recent court orders together with all amendments, modification and supplements. Parents are to
ensure that the school has a complete and unaltered set of certified copies of the applicable court orders. Failure to follow
this policy may result in the involuntary withdrawal of the child(ren) from the school.
When parents choose to litigate their disputes in court, both the Catholic Schools Office and the Archdiocesan Legal Department
will attempt to minimize the involvement of the school, its teachers and personnel. School administrators inform the legal
department immediately in the event the school, or any of its employees are served with subpoenas. Ordinarily the school will
endeavor not to take sides in disputes between parents in recognition of the crucial role of both parents in the lives of their
children.
Continued strife between the parents is harmful to the children and does not set a good example for them. It is expected that even
divorced and separated parents will treat one another with Christian charity, and they will display a spirit of forgiveness.
Ongoing parental disputes can be counterproductive to the mission of the school and in some cases, it is appropriate that the
principal contact the superintendent to discuss whether continued enrollment of the child(ren) is a viable option.
Transfer/Withdrawals
The principal is to be given sufficient notification of transfers or withdrawals, so teachers have ample time to complete records.
Parent are required to complete a transfer/withdrawal form and complete an exit interview prior to withdrawal. Families will not
be reimbursed for any fee relating to the education of the child before withdrawal.
Fees must be paid in full before the transfer paperwork is completed.
Release of Final Report Card/School Records
Parents and students need to reconcile all obligations before the end of the school year; i.e., financial obligations, make-up-work,
library fines, return of all library books, textbooks and equipment.
The report card will not be issued to the student or parent, nor will it be forwarded to another school, until all financial
obligations are met and/or materials are returned to the school office.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Tuition and Fundraising

Tuition
Please refer to the tuition schedule for information concerning tuition rates, and sibling tuition plans available at Holy Family
Catholic School. Payment of tuition is handled in two different ways:
Tuition payments can be paid annually or in 10 equal installments. Holy Family School has partnered with FACTS
Tuition Management to automatically withdraw tuition payments according to the scheduled payment dates beginning
in August through the month of May. If the installment option is selected, payments must be automatically withdrawn
through FACTS. The accounting office does not accept tuition payments except to clear delinquencies. To learn more
about FACTS or to sign up for tuition payments, visit their website at:
https://ecashierk12.factstuition.com/ecashierk12/Controller?&query=83434/77581
Tuition payments not posted by FACTS on or before the 20th of the month are assessed a $25.00 late charge by the
HFCS accounting office. Re-admission for the following school year is not allowed for the children of families who
are not current with any obligations and fees. School records of students who have any unpaid balances are not
released. Students are placed on financial suspension if tuition is 60 days delinquent. It is the parent's responsibility to
contact the principal and/or accounting office for acceptable payment arrangements. Report Cards are held until
accounts are current. Checks for tuition/fees that are returned for insufficient funds are subject to a penalty charge of
$25.00. Issuance of three insufficient checks requires that all future payments be made in cash or by money order.
Invoices are not sent home for tuition payments. Invoices are only sent home for After Care.
Financial Aid
Applications for tuition assistance for students in grades K-8 are available in the school office during re-registration and must be
completed and submitted prior to March 30 to Private School Aid Service (PSAS) for any consideration. Applications may be
completed online, https://www.psas.org/onlineapp.aspx. Interested families must complete a financial packet. The finance
committee will review paperwork, meet with families and ascertain if there is a need for financial assistance. Qualifying students
must maintain satisfactory academic progress and a record of good conduct. Participants are expected to keep the school apprised
of changing financial needs following acceptance of assistance. Contact the office to schedule a meeting with Mrs. Porter if you
would like to discuss financial aid.
Fundraising
Holy Family Catholic School relies on funding through the support of Holy Family Catholic Church, student tuition and fees and
fundraising. Each year parents are asked to participate in the school fundraisers through the donation of time, talent or funding.
For the 2022-2023 school year, families are expected to support the Spring Gala and Steps for Students. Funds raised by families
enable the school to become financially stable while offering students an education based in strong Catholic principles coupled
with a rigorous academic schedule.
School Donations
Holy Family Catholic School is blessed to have such generous families! If you are making a monetary or item donation to the
school, it must come through the office, so we are able to inventory new items and write out a receipt for tax purposes. If you
would like to donate an item to the school, please speak to the principal, so we can ensure that the item, specifically technology,
matches what we currently have in the classrooms. Communications regarding the items ensures that it will be allocated and
utilized appropriately for the benefit of the entire school.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Student Service Hour Requirement
In keeping with the mission of Holy Family Catholic School: "to provide a well- rounded education emphasizing Catholic ideals
of academic excellence, personal integrity, Christian service and enduring faith", the guidelines below must be followed:
* 7th-8th Graders must complete 12 hours of service within the school or community. Of these 12 hours, at least 6 must be
performed outside of the school.
* 5th-6th Graders must complete 8 hours of service within the school or community.
A few acceptable examples of service:

*Altar serving/choir (outside of the school day)
*St. Vincent de Paul (helping stock/organize shelves)
*Helping with the set-up/clean-up of the Fall Festival or other school functions
*Helping in any aspect of a church fundraiser
*Helping with Vacation Bible School
*Helping as an aide in any of the CCE classes
These student service hours are independent and in addition to the Family Service Requirement. Only student service hours
served on campus may count for Family Service Hours (maximum of 6 hours allowed). These student hours MUST be
recorded in the Family Service Hour binder (or electronically) by April 15 to count for the current school year. PLEASE DO
NOT RELY ON ANOTHER PERSON TO RECORD YOUR DONATED HOURS. April 15 is the FINAL deadline for
recording and submitting service hours – no exceptions are allowed! Eighth graders must complete their service hours in
order to participate in graduation.
Family Service Hour Requirement

Each family must complete 25 mandatory service hours within the given school year or must pay the equivalent of $20.00 per
service hour that they are unable to complete. Service hours must be completed by April 15th. Service hours accrued during the
summer months prior to the beginning of school will be accepted. At least 12 hours are due at the end of the 1st semester. Altar
serving for funerals/weddings outside the school day will be accepted as service hours. The signature of the person supervising
the work/service being done is required. Service opportunities will be posted on social media and emailed to families. The due
date for completion of all service hours for the family requirement is April 15. Late service hours will not be accepted.
Liturgy & Worship
All-School Mass
All students in grades PK-8 ordinarily attend 10:00 A.M. Mass on Fridays when school is in session. If a holy day occurs during
a week, students will attend the holy day Mass. In addition, students will be given opportunities during the year to participate in
other types of worship in keeping with our Catholic faith and traditions.
All parents are invited to worship with us. Please contact your child’s teacher if you would like to sit with your student’s class.
Please take into consideration that the older students, grades 4-8, act as role models to the early childhood students. Students in
grades 4-8 sit with younger student to model Mass behavior and support students in Mass.
Each week a different grade level will participate in Mass, readings, responsorial and choir. Your child’s homeroom teacher will
let you know when your child(ren) will be participating in Mass. If your child is scheduled to participate in Mass and they arrive
late or out of uniform, another student will take their place.All students must wear full dress uniforms when attending Mass.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Morning Assembly
All students and faculty meet for Morning Assembly at 7:40 A.M. every morning in the gym. Prayer is an intricate part of our
faith. It is important that students are present for prayer. Each week a new grade level will lead prayer. Student birthdays are also
celebrated during the Morning Assembly.
Attendance
In compliance with the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Education Department, TCCB ED, our school is in session 180
days. Parents/Legal guardians are expected to honor the established calendar. It is strongly recommended to schedule medical
appointments and vacations outside of school hours. If it is absolutely necessary for parents to remove a student from classes for
reasons other than family emergencies or illness, a written request should be submitted to the principal indicating the reason for
the absence and the number of days the student will be absent. Parents will be contacted to schedule a meeting with the principal
if there are excessive absences.
Daily school attendance is an effective way to assure continued academic progress. Students are to attend school unless there are
valid reasons for absence. Excessive absences, as well as habitual tardiness, seriously affect school performance. If a student is
excessively absent, they may not be allowed to move forward to the next grade level.
Tardiness has a direct impact on self-discipline and the overall discipline of the school. To ensure an orderly, disciplined
environment, school begins promptly at 7:45A.M. on Monday through Friday. The student is tardy if he/she is not seated in
his/her classroom at 8:00 A.M. sharp. Students may not be in the halls, at lockers, etc. Tardy data is logged electronically
beginning at 8:00 A.M. A student is tardy if he/she arrives after the designated time set by the school schedule. A student who is
late is required to report to the school office before being admitted to class. Habitual tardiness seriously affects school
performance.
Students absent for 10% of the school year (18 days) must submit a letter to the Attendance Team stating the reason for
absences. Students may not receive credit for the school year if they miss 10% of the year, unless the absences are
approved by the Attendance Committee.
In addition, accreditation depends on adhering to a "Bell to Bell" schedule and requires a specific number of minutes per day for
instruction. Please be supportive of the 7:40 A.M. daily start of school so that we may provide your child with an exemplary
education.
Tardiness is neither excused nor unexcused. Students must be in their classroom for instruction after Morning Assembly.
If a student is still in the hallway, he/she is considered tardy.
Parents will be contacted when this situation arises, and consequences discussed. If there is chronic absenteeism and/or tardiness,
a contract between HFCS and parents will be created to ensure attendance. All absences are considered absences – they are
neither excused nor unexcused. HFCS recognizes the following as valid reasons for an absence:
• Student illness;
• Family emergency, such as death or serious illness
If a student has been absent for three days or more or is under a doctor's care:
• The school needs a doctor’s note, so the student may be readmitted to school.
• Requests for homework are honored for a 3:20 P.M. pickup only if the request is received before 9:00 A.M. on the day of
an absence. Teachers must have time to assimilate the necessary papers due to variances in their daily schedules.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Daily Schedule
• 7:30 A.M. Car line begins at the front of the school
• 7:40 A.M. Morning Prayer/Instructional Day Begins
• 3:05 P.M. School dismissal (Front of school)
• 3:15 P.M. After School Care begins
• 5:30 P.M. After School Care ends
**Students not picked up by 3:25 p.m. will be sent to After School Care. Applicable charges will be billed or applied to
your FACTS account. **
Additionally, please note:
• Students not in attendance at 10:00 A.M. or leaving the school prior to 10:00 A.M. for the remainder of the day, will be
counted as absent for the day.
• When a student is absent, the parent/guardian is expected to call the school office by 9:00 A.M. and send a written note
upon the student's return to school. Notes are kept with the homeroom teacher’s files in their classroom.
• A student who checks out during the day and does not return by the last class of the day, may not return to campus for
any reason– for example: clubs, athletics practice or game, or tutoring, unless there are extenuating circumstances and the
principal has granted permission for the student to return.
• The school staff is not obligated to provide special assignments to a student when a parent opts to schedule activities that
warrant student absences on compulsory attendance days as indicated on the school’s calendar. Students that go on
vacation during regular school time will get their assignments upon return to school.
• A valid reason for absence does not mean a student will not be marked absent. There are no excused absences.
• A student not physically present at school is marked absent.
• For students who are habitually absent and have accumulated excessive absences, a doctor’s note may be requested for
each absence in order to provide him/her with make-up work and other assignments.
• Parents are encouraged to contact the student’s homeroom teacher via email to inform them of their child’s absence.
Otherwise, students will have the same number of days to complete missed work that they missed school; i.e. a student
missed one day, they have one day to make up work.
• Long term projects and tests will be made up the day the student returns to school if they were absent on the due date,
unless provisions have been made by the teacher or administration before the student returns to school.
• Students with missed work and/or excessive tardiness or absences may not be eligible to attend special events. It is up to
the discretion of the teacher and administration to consider if the student’s time would be better utilized completing work.
• Students earning and N or U in conduct may not be eligible to attend their classes’ special events. Attendance is up to the
discretion of the administration and teacher(s).
• Leaving school during the day is discouraged in order to maximize instructional time. Please make every effort to
schedule routine medical and dental appointments after school hours. If necessary, students may be picked up early from
REVISED 8/18/2021
school. However, a note must be sent to the office stating the time you wish to pick your child up and the designated
person who will be picking your child up. Parents may also call the office to request their student be sent to the office to
leave early. Parents/legal guardians or designated person must come to the office to sign the child out of school.
• Students with extended absences will participate in online learning through the FACTS Learning Management System.
Teachers will post work and meet with students via TEAMS with students with prolonged illness.
Car Line Procedures
In order to provide safety for the students and to improve traffic flow, Holy Family Catholic School expects to limit pedestrian
crossing in the parking lot during the time of arrival and dismissal. It is imperative that the school have the cooperation of all
parents and students.
For the safety of our students, drivers and staff; cell phone usage during carline is prohibited.
Teachers help students get out of their cars and monitor them while they walk to the gym in the school. Parents and caregivers
must use the car line for morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up, unless your child(ren) attends after care.
Every school family must have a car tag labeled with the student(s) name. Teachers will only dismiss students to parents or other
authorized individuals.
Every driver must hang their current school year car tag from their rear-view mirror so that it may be seen by the teachers on
traffic duty. No student will be dismissed to a car that does not display their car tag.
The school day begins Monday-Friday with Morning Assembly at 7:40 A.M. Morning drop off begins at 7:30A.M. Teachers will
be in the car line to assist your student out of the car. All backpacks, lunch kits, projects etc. must be easily accessible to teachers
so they can help get the supplies out in an organized and safe manner. Students must exit the carline from the back passenger door
and/or front passenger door. Students are prohibited from exiting vehicles from the driver’s side.
Once students exit carline, they are prompted to enter the gym from the front entrance. Older students will walk with younger
students and teachers will be on duty to ensure safety for all students. Students enter the gym and sit with their class. Students
arriving after 7:40 A.M. and before Morning Assembly ends will be prompted to stand in the back of the gym with the teacher on
duty. Once the Morning Assembly is over, they will go stand with their class. Parents are encouraged to attend Morning
Assembly. Please stand in the back of the gym during prayer service to ease dismissal for students.
Each week a new class will lead prayer. It is the teacher’s responsibility to practice the morning routine with their class. They will
lead the prayer, pledges, school announcements and song.
If your student arrives after Morning Assembly, they must enter through the front door of the school. They will be considered late
and their tardy will be logged into the FACTS/SIS System. Tardiness disrupts the learning process; students must be in school on
time. If there is a chronic tardiness issue, the parents, teacher and principal will meet to create a plan of success for the student’s
timely arrival.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Dismissal Procedure
Dismissal begins at 3:05P.M. Labeled car tags will be issued to parents during school supply drop off. Families are issued three
car tags at the beginning of the year. If you need to request another tag, the cost is $5.00 and will be charged to your FACTS
Account.
Form a single file car line to pick up your children at the front of the school. Children will be assisted into the car or van by the
teachers in an orderly fashion. Please pull up as far as possible so that multiple cars can be loaded at a time. Pull slowly out into
the driveway and then stop to fasten seat belts in the designated area.
Parents are not permitted to exit their vehicle while in the car line to assist a student or allow a student to enter a vehicle from the
driver’s side. Doing this endangers the safety of the children and slows the loading process. The car line must move quickly as
there are many waiting. Do not use this time to conference with teachers. If you need to talk with a teacher, email the teacher and
request a phone or face to face conference.
Students must be buckled into the appropriate car seats and seat spots. Please see: Seat Belts and Car Seats (txdot.gov) for the
laws pertaining to car seats.
Students must be dismissed using the car line. Parents are prohibited from walking up to pick up their child until after the car line
is over. If you need to check out your student early; stop by the office no later than 2:30P.M. to make arrangements. Once car line
is started, parents and students are prohibited from crossing the carline. Parents that enter the school after car line has started will
be asked to wait to leave until after car line is completed. No exceptions will be made. It is important to all of us to keep our
children safe.
Seat Guidelines (https://www.txdot.gov/driver/kids-teens/safety-belts.html)
Safety belts are designed for adults, not children.

Follow these guidelines when buying the proper seat and buckling up children:
Birth-2 Years
• All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 2 years of age or until they reach the
highest weight or height allowed by their car seat’s manufacturer. (Check labels on seat for this information.)
• Secure the chest clip even with your baby's armpits.
• Fasten harness straps snugly against your baby's body. You should not be able to pinch the slack at the baby’s shoulder.
• Use the harness slot at or below the baby’s shoulder for rear-facing.
Over 2 Years
• Use a forward-facing seat for as long as the safety seat manufacturer recommends it. (Check labels for maximum height and
weight information.)
• Fasten harness straps snugly against your child's body. You should not be able to pinch the slack at the baby’s shoulder.
• Secure the chest clip even with your child's armpits.
• Use either seat belt or lower anchors to secure the car seat, not both. Always latch the tether strap to the corresponding
anchor if your vehicle has one.
4-8 Years
• Use a booster seat to the maximum height or weight limit. (Check labels for information.)
• Fasten the lap belt across your child's thighs and hips, not stomach.
• The shoulder belt should rest on the chest, not the neck. Check belt routing on booster for proper placement.
Over 8 Years Old
• Always use a lap and shoulder belt for maximum protection.
• Anyone under the age of 13 should be restrained in the back seat.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Walkers, Bike Riders
If your student would like to ride their bike to school they must have written permission from their parent and will not be allowed
to leave until the car line is completed. If you live close to the school and your child would like to walk to school, please contact
the office.
Early Check-Out (During the School Day)
Leaving school during the day is discouraged in order to maximize instructional time. Please make every effort to schedule
routine medical and dental appointments after school hours. If necessary, students may be picked up early from school no later
than 2:30. However, a note must be sent to the office stating the time you wish to pick your child up and the designated person
who will be picking your child up. A note requesting early dismissal should be brought to the office by the student in the
morning. Parents may also call to let the office know about pick up arrangements. Parents/Legal guardians or designated person
must come to the office to sign the child out of school. Students will be called from the classroom when parents/guardians arrive
for pickup. If your child returns to school the same day, he/she must check in through the school office before proceeding to
class.
Students leaving before 10:00A.M. or arriving after 10:00A.M. will be marked as absent for the day. Please see absence policy
regarding make-up work.
A student who checks out during the day and does not return by the last class of the day, may not return to campus for any
reason– for example, Choir, Chess Club, athletics practice or game, or tutoring.
Tardiness
A student is tardy for the school day if he/she arrives after the 7:40 AM Morning Assembly The attendant in the front office will
mark a student tardy using the FACTS/SIS System. A student who arrives after 8:00 A.M. is required to report directly to the
office to be recorded as tardy before being admitted to class. When the child is late, he/she misses the initial lesson of the
day and loses the critical understanding of the subject being taught. Students will be responsible to make up any missed
work due to tardiness. Make-up work may be completed during recess, before school or after school. His/her late arrival
also interrupts the attention of the other children in the classroom. Habitual tardiness seriously affects school
performance. Parents/Legal guardians will be contacted when this situation arises, and the consequences and a plan for
student success will be discussed.
All students are expected to be on time for school. Excessive late arrivals in an academic quarter will place the student on
academic probation. Excessive tardiness will be subject to administrative review.
Early Release Days
Students who are not picked up within 20 minutes of dismissal on early release days (by 12:20 p.m. usually) will be charged a
$35.00 fee, plus a dollar each minute thereafter until the child is picked up. Early release times on early release days are usually
scheduled at 12:00 p.m. Lunch will NOT be served on early release days, so parents are encouraged to send a snack with their
children. PK3 and PK4 parents are requested to send a sack lunch with their children on early release days. (Please refer to the
school calendar for availability of after-school care on early release days.)
REVISED 8/18/2021
Emergency Procedures
Emergency School Closing
In case of severe inclement weather or other generalized emergencies that may necessitate closing schools, Holy Family will
follow the decision of Galveston Independent School District. Holy Family Catholic School will close if GISD announces that
they will be closed due to some such emergency. However, if GISD is delayed in making a decision, HFCS will broadcast the
campus weather-related decision on local media outlets, including social media.
If there is a need for school closure while school is in session, parents will be contacted via text through the FACTS SIS Parent
Alert System. The Parent Alert System sends routine, priority and emergency notifications from school officials to school
contacts.
Please be certain that all e-mail addresses, work phone numbers, home phone numbers, and cell phone numbers are always up-to-
date.
Emergency Drills: Crisis Management
Catholic Schools within the Archdiocese are required to have a written comprehensive Crisis Management Plan (CMP) on file. It
is updated annually. Each faculty and staff member receive a copy of the CMP and should be familiar with it. Evacuation drills
and lock-down procedures should be practiced at least twice per semester. Drills are recorded in the Emergency Logs located in
the office.
When an emergency occurs, and the teacher/faculty member is the only adult present, he/she should call 9-1-1 as soon as possible.
Health emergencies should be handled quickly and calmly. Should an emergency necessitate the closing of school, the school day
will need to be “made up.” Notification of this make-up day will be provided to staff and students prior to the day.
Release of students during disasters in the event of a major disaster, (chemical leak or hazardous material situation, SWAT team
presence, weapons on campus, etc.) school will not be dismissed and children will remain under the supervision of school
authorities until the campus is deemed ready to release students. Students are to be released only according to a predetermined
plan and only to persons authorized by parents.
Teachers will work with students to practice safety drills on a regular basis.
Emergency Drills: Fire/Disaster/Severe Weather
Emergency procedures are reviewed and updated each year.
Fire Drills - Fire drills are held in accordance with the Galveston Fire Department regulations. These drills are worked out with
the faculty and the Fire Department to ensure safe and orderly evacuation and precautionary measures. We are required to
conduct fire drills monthly. Each teacher must have posted in his/her room the planned evacuation route. In the case that the
classroom exit is obstructed, classes must leave by an alternate exit. Students are instructed in the proper procedures for fire and
all drills, including leaving in an orderly manner, silence, and speediness.
Lock Down Drills - We have periodic lock down drills or other crisis management drills to ensure safe and orderly procedures in
case of a crisis.
Posted Emergency Routes - Every classroom and office area used by staff or students should have a visible floor plan indicating
the exit route to be used for emergencies.
Severe/Inclement Weather – Drills for severe/inclement weather are also held periodically.
REVISED 8/18/2021
If a tornado warning is in effect in the locality of our school, students will be moved to a safe place, preferable away from exterior
doors and windows. Students will be kept inside, away from windows/glass and in an interior hallway. Students will be directed
to sit on the floor facing a wall, in a “duck and cover” position – head between raised knees, clasped hands covering the head and
neck area.
Camera, Surveillance/Video Recording
To enhance your child’s safety at school, the campus uses a closed-recording camera surveillance system (no audio recordings are
made). Cameras are placed at numerous high-traffic areas in the campus. These digital recordings are kept for a limited period
and are kept and viewed, as needed, in a very confidential manner. Parents are not permitted to view the recordings due to
confidentiality issues with other children who may be viewed on the digital pictures. Cameras are not present where there is a
reasonable expectation of privacy – for example, the clinic and restrooms.
Campus and Facilities
Use of School Campus and Facilities
The grounds and buildings of Holy Family Catholic School are private property. Use of any part of the facilities needs to be
reserved through the school office. To ensure the safety and security of all, the school playgrounds are off-limits to students and
parents before and after school hours. The playgrounds are also off-limits during the school day unless a staff member is present
for supervision. Parents and/or students are not allowed to enter an empty classroom or building unless accompanied by a staff
member.
Library
Holy Family Catholic School is fortunate to have an excellent library. Classes have a designated library period. Parents are urged
to encourage reading, research and proper care of borrowed materials. Students pay fines on overdue books and must reimburse
the school for the cost of damaged or lost books. Parents on occasion are needed to volunteer in the library, and your help is
always deeply appreciated. Please contact Mrs. Porter if you would like to volunteer in the library.
Instruction and Grading
Evaluation and Reporting
The curriculum of Holy Family Catholic School complies with time allotment and subject requirements of the Texas Catholic
Conference of Bishops Education Department (TCCB ED). The school year is divided into four nine-week quarters. Every grade
a student earns both academic and conduct grades. Student performance grades will be the result of an honest, careful evaluation
of all phases of the student’s work and effort. Education at Holy Family Catholic School involves the emotional, social,
intellectual and spiritual development of children. Evaluation procedures reflect the consideration of each of these aspects.
Grades are based on discussions, participation, written work, quizzes, portfolios, projects and tests. The teacher determines the
weight of each grade. Teachers will share the grade breakdown at the beginning of the year. The grading weights are also visible
on FACTS SIS, the online grading system. If you forget your login information contact Ms. Marmaduke,
[email protected], and she will assist you with the system.
Progress Reports
Progress reports are found online using the FACTS/SIS System. Parents and students are responsible for accessing Progress
Reports online using their FACTS SIS Account. Paper copies will no longer be issued for HFCS. If a parent would like to
REVISED 8/18/2021
schedule a conference regarding the progress report, they may call the office or send the teacher an email to set up an
appointment. Teachers may also contact parents to discuss issues regarding academic progress and/or conduct. Teachers will
contact parents if their child’s behavior or academic achievement has changed significantly since the previous reporting period.
Report Cards
Report cards are sent home after every nine-week quarter. Parents will be notified if their child’s grade(s) drops a letter grade
since the last reporting period. If a parent would like to schedule a conference regarding the report card, they may call the office
or send the teacher an email to set up an appointment. Teachers may also contact parents to discuss issues regarding academic
progress and/or conduct.
Report cards must be signed by the parent and returned to the student’s homeroom teacher within a week of issuance. If you
would like a printed copy of the report card, contact your child’s teacher. 4th Quarter report cards will be issued the last day of
school and are not required to be returned to the school.
Grading/FACTS SIS
Each teacher must keep an accurate up-to-date record of student grades. Holy Family Catholic School uses the online grading
system, FACTS SIS. Date of grade taken, topic, and page should be referenced. See the table regarding the minimum number of
grades and grade weights. Grades must be entered once per week (Wednesday), so parents have knowledge of their child's
progress. Grades are earned by each student for every subject area in the daily schedule. Grades are based upon criterion-
referenced tests and student participation.
Parents must be contacted if their child has a failing grade before progress reports or report cards. Phone calls and/or conferences
must be documented. Parents must also be contacted if their child’s performance has dropped significantly (grade level).
The principal has the responsibility and requirement to see all progress sheets and the teacher’s copy of the report card before the
grades are recorded on the hard copy which is issued to the student. If two or more students are failing a subject in a single
grading period, the principal will examine the causes for such failure. It is possible that a teacher may need assistance in methods
of teaching or discerning a particular student’s learning style. Grades will be reviewed by the principal weekly.
The National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools – Standard 8 calls for the use
of a variety of curriculum-based assessments aligned with learning outcomes and instructional practices to assess student learning.
In addition, criteria used to evaluate student work and the reporting mechanisms must be valid, consistent, transparent, and justly
administered.
Schools in the Archdiocese adopt local grading practices that support the following guiding principles:
a) grades should accurately reflect student achievement of the content standards. Non-academic variables such as
behavior, participation, effort, and attitude should be reported separately from academic grades,
b) grading policies should be applied consistently by all teachers across grade levels, departments, and/or the school.
Grading should reflect student progress towards mastery. Research cautions that grades assigned to homework or at-
home projects may not be a true reflection of student achievement,
c) best practices caution against the incorrect use of extra credit assignments or bonus points as they can distort a student’s
record of achievement and potentially result in inflated grades. Used appropriately extra credit and bonus points provide
additional opportunities to demonstrate learning. The opportunity should be offered to all students. Extra credit and
bonus points for nonacademic work such as bringing in materials, attending events, returning signed permission slips,
etc. is prohibited,
REVISED 8/18/2021
d) best practices caution against the overuse of zeros in grading. Grading as punishment is routinely maintained in the
mistaken belief that it will lead to improved student motivation and performance. Evidence shows that this practice
does not work. Defenders of the practice agree that students need to have consequences for failing to complete work
on time. However, the appropriate consequence is not a zero; it is completing the work.
e) best practices caution against group grades. While group activities provide great value as a learning experience, they
are not an assessment tool that gives an accurate account of each students’ mastery. When grades are given as part of
group activities, each student is graded individually rather than one grade given for all participants. At minimum if a
group project is assigned, consider splitting the points value into individual and group components, with the majority
of the points counting for the individual portion, and
f) weighting of grades is required in 1st-8th grades. Averages are calculated on a percentage basis for each type or category
of assignment.
Elementary (1st-5th) Middle School (6th-8th)

Formative Assessments – 60% Formative Assessments – 50%
Summative Assessments – 40% Summative Assessments – 40%
*Homework - 0 *Homework - 10%
*Schools have the option to grade or not grade homework. If graded, homework should not be weighted more than 10%.
A sufficient number of grades to allow multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate growth and mastery of standards are
recorded during each grading period. A developmental approach places greater weight on summative work. The following chart
provides guidance in establishing local grading expectations.
Minimum Number of Grades per Quarter

Subject Grades 1-4 Grades 5-8
Religion Formative at least 2 per week Formative at least 2 per week
Reading/Literature Summative at least 4 per quarter Summative at least 4 per quarter
English/Language Arts
(Includes Spelling)
Writing
Science* *Grades 1 & 2 1 Formative per
Social Studies* week and 2 Summative per
quarter for Science and Social
Studies
Handwriting
(Included with ELA) 3 (Suggested Maximum 6)
Grades 6-8
Spanish Formative at least 2 per week
Summative at least 4 per quarter
REVISED 8/18/2021
Mid-term and/or Final exams are required in the middle school grades. It is recommended that the following semester exams be
administered:
6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade

Religion X X X
Reading/Literature X X X
English/Language Arts X X X
Math X X X
Science X X
Social Studies X
Spanish X
Mid-term and/or Final exams are not recommended

Electives for electives unless it is for
consideration for possible high school credit.
Grade Levels Format Scale Required for…

1st-3rd Numerical A-F Religion, Reading/Literature, English/Language Arts,
Writing, Math
Alpha E-U Science, Social Studies, Ancillary, Conduct
4th-5th Numerical E-U Religion, Reading/Literature, English/Language Arts,
Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies
Alpha E-U Ancillary, Conduct
6th-8th Numerical A-F Religion, Reading/Literature, English/Language Arts,
Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies, Ancillary
Alpha E-U Conduct
NOTES:
• The grading of Handwriting is optional. If Handwriting is graded the E-U scale and alpha
format is used.
• Spelling is graded as part of English/Language Arts.
Formative and summative grades are paced out over the grading period. The number of grades required in ancillary/elective
classes, such as P.E., fine arts, computer, and foreign language may be revised on the local level based on the number of class
periods within a grading period.
Additional information and recommendations specific to grading in content areas are included in the Archdiocesan Guidebooks
for Curriculum and Instruction.
A Final Average is calculated for each subject taught. The Final Average determines credits for promotion or retention.
Calculation of the Final Average is as follows:
Elementary (1st-5th) Middle School (6th-8th)

1st Semester – 50% 1st Semester – 50%
2nd Semester – 50% 2nd Semester – 50%
An explanation of grades supported by written evidence should be available to both parents and students.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Grading principles are the same for students on accommodations that are documented through a Catholic School Accommodation
Plan. When the curriculum expectations are modified, the reporting of student progress may be transitioned to standards-based
reporting (See Records Section)
Guidelines for Grading

Teacher evaluation of each student’s progress is summarized in the grading and reporting system approved by the Archdiocese of
Galveston-Houston. Progress is reported in PK-8th for every subject taught. Students utilizing their God-given gifts are capable of
doing their schoolwork and reaching their potential. Grading should contribute to the building of a student’s self- esteem through
the development of autonomy (independence or self-reliance), initiative (self-motivation or enterprise), and industry (follow
through or perseverance). Schools are encouraged to promote strategies including but not limited to re-teaching, re-testing, and
the development of executive functioning skills promoting student growth and success.
Students that score below 70% on a test are eligible to take either a re-take or complete test corrections to earn 70%. The
following should be incorporated:
• grades may be recorded in the grade book below 60%, however the immediate assignment of a grade of zero
particularly for late, incomplete, or missing assignments should be replaced with the expectation that students will
complete the work to demonstrate application of the skills they are supposed to learn,
• a report card grade of F should not be reported lower than 60% unless the school has a clear plan in place that allows
students to complete work during the grading period and the student fails to do so. The plan must be communicated to
students and parents. If needed, the report card may contain a notation that explains when the actual average is lower
than 60%
• the highest report card grade is 100.
Practices such as these allow a student the opportunity to bring his/her grade to a passing mark when the student applies sufficient
effort in the current and subsequent grading periods.
When a student's progress is insufficient and indicates the possibility of failure/retention, the school should review the student's
historical and current performance to identify factors that contribute to the student's lack of progress. The school should design an
informal intervention plan based on consideration of holistic factors, including, but not limited to, length of time that the student
has had difficulty in the classroom regarding instruction and/or behavior, changes in the student's home life, developmental
milestones such as executive function, etc.
Retention at the Elementary/Middle School Level

Retention of a student is to be considered a last resort for students who do not meet the academic criteria for promotion. Any
decision concerning retention must be made after considering all factors including:
• age of student
• maturity of student
• degree of deficiency in the students learning, as per grade level requirements
• achievement and instructional data
• review of academic interventions and
• any other special circumstances that have hindered academic progress for the student.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Written documentation of compliance with the following procedures is to be retained.
1) There is consultation between the academic support team and Principal or designated academic administrator as early
as possible in the first semester.
2) A conference is held with the parents no later than the beginning of second semester to advise them of the possibility
of retention and to discuss possible remedial actions.
3) Follow-up conferences with the parents are held to evaluate the academic progress of the child.
4) Evaluations and reports to parents must indicate failure to achieve minimum objectives required at the particular grade
level.
5) A final decision will be made by the end of the third grading period. Exceptions to this time frame may be made by the
Principal.
6) A student shall be retained no more than one year at any given grade. Upon failing a 2nd time in grades 1-8, a student
may not be re-enrolled in the school.
Graduation
Graduation from middle school is a promotion to the next grade. Promotion is governed by the same criteria as
established for other grades.
• graduation from middle school may be marked by a simple and dignified exercise/ceremony which gives
recognition to the unique value of the Catholic education just completed,
• according to the standards of the TCCB ED, no school may schedule graduation ceremonies earlier than
five days prior to the last instructional day of school. Any deviation from this standard requires written
permission from the Superintendentof Catholic Schools, and
• students that receive a modified curriculum will be given a certificate of program completion at the time
they exit the school.
Graded Academic Areas: Grades 1-8
Principals have the option to name courses in the student information system to reflect the school’s culture.
As examples, social studies could be history and reading could be literature. Grades are recorded on the student report card for the
grading period, as follows:
Grade Levels Format Scale Required for…

1st-3rd Numerical A-F Religion, Reading, English, Spelling, Writing,
Mathematics, Science, Social Studies,
Alpha or E-U Ancillary, Conduct
Numerical
4th-5th Numerical A-F Religion, Reading, English, Writing, Mathematics,
Science, Social Studies
Alpha or E-U Ancillary, Conduct
Numerical
6th-8th Numerical A-F Religion, Reading, English, Writing, Mathematics,
Science, Social Studies, Ancillary
Alpha or E-U Conduct
Numerical
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Elementary Grading Scale
The following grades and conduct codes shall be used by elementary schools:
ACADEMIC GRADES:
Early Childhood Grading Scale (Grades PK3 thru Kindergarten)
E Exceeds Expectations S Satisfies Expectations N Needs Improvement
Kindergarten students will receive a report card every quarter. Prekindergarten students will receive report cards twice
per year, January and May. If there is an academic concern for a prekindergarten student, parents must be notified during
the October conference day.
Content Area Grading Scale (Grades 1-8)
A 93-100
B 85-92
C 77-84
D 70-76
F 69 or Below
ANCILLARY GRADING SCALES (Elementary)
E Exceeds 93-100
S Satisfies 77-92
N Needs 70-76
U Unsatisfactory 69 or Below
ANCILLARY GRADING SCALE (Middle School)
A 93-100
B 85-92
C 77-84
D 70-76
F 69 or Below
CITIZENSHIP OR CONDUCT (All Grade Levels)
E Exceeds 93-100
S Satisfies 77-92
N Needs 70-76
U Unsatisfactory 69 or Below
REVISED 8/18/2021
Based on the behavioral traits exhibited by the student, a conduct grade will be determined as follows:
*Behavioral Traits
E = Almost always… • Exhibits Gospel values, practices virtues, and displays
S = Most of the time… behavior consistent with that of a disciple of Christ
N = Some of the time… • Demonstrates reverence during prayer and liturgy
U = Usually does not… • Follows rules and expectations
• Respects others, self, and property
*Behavioral Traits may be revised on the campus level.
Based on the executive functioning skills exhibited by the student, feedback will be provided on progress reports and
report cards.
*Executive Functioning Skills

1. Works independently
2. Follows directions and procedures
3. Starts tasks and maintains focus on them
4. Transitions from one task to another
5. Completes tasks/assignments on time
6. Organizes work & personal items
7. Is prepared for class
8. Participates in class activities
9. Works well with others and in groups
10. Uses time and resources wisely
11. Has consistently strong homework habits
12. Responds positively to feedback as a tool to improve
13. Solves his/her own problems
14. Monitors and self-regulates actions
*Executive Functioning Skills may be revised on the campus level.
Standardized Testing/Benchmarking Testing
The Assessment of Catholic Religious Education, ACRE, is administered to students in fifth and eighth grade.
Students take the test anonymously. The data is used by the Archdiocese of Galveston Houston and HFCS to evaluate
student religious education. It is based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
CoGat and IOWA Testing will not be administered this school year. The Catholic Schools Office has moved to
benchmarking data using the NWEA Map Tests. Students will be evaluated three times per year using the new tests in
the areas of Math, Science and Reading. Data collected from the benchmarks will be used to challenge and support
students in the classroom. This type of testing is student centered and its purpose is to individualize instruction to
support student growth.
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Students have access to IXL, an online learning environment, that uses targeted and adaptive content to create a
individualized learning environment for students. Teachers are able to review IXL Data and assign modules to
challenge and support academic skills. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade are enrolled in the program. It is
used in the classroom and can be used at home to strengthen academic skills.
Child Find
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that local school districts (where the Catholic school
is located) locate, identify, and evaluate all private school students suspected of having a disability. This "Child Find"
process must be conducted in consultation with private school representatives to ensure equitable access for private
school students. Catholic educators strive to recognize and address the needs of all those who seek a Catholic
education. Within our resources, we will offer services to children with special needs, when possible.
Students with Exceptionalities
Introductory Statement
Consistent with the contents of the Church document, To Teach as Jesus Did, and the Pastoral Statement of the U.S.
Bishops, Persons with Disabilities, the Archdiocese seeks to include students with specials needs in our schools to the
extent that the need of such students can be met within the scope of the programs and resources offered. The Catholic
Schools Office is aware that it is unrealistic to serve all categories of special need students. However, Holy Family
Catholic School and the other Catholic Schools are cognizant of the fact that admission of special needs students must
be considered and reviewed on an individual basis.
Legal References to Special Services
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that local school districts locate, identify, and
evaluate all private school students suspected of having a disability (for Holy Family Catholic School, the local district
is Clear Creek ISD). This “Child Find” process must be conducted in consultation with private school’s
representatives to ensure equitable access for private school students. In IDEA, these children are often referred to as
“parentally placed private school children with disabilities,” and the benefits available to them differ from the benefits
for children with disabilities enrolled in public schools.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 educational section (frequently called “Section 504”), provides that no
otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall, solely by reason of his/her disability, be excluded from the
participation in any program receiving federal assistance. Catholic educators strive to recognize and address the needs
of all those who seek a Catholic education. Within our resources, Holy Family and other Catholic schools will offer
services to eligible students with special needs, when possible. However, private schools are not required to
significantly alter their programs, lower or substantially modify their standards to accommodate a child with special
needs. Private educational institutions are only required to make minor adjustment to accommodate eligible students.
Records for Students with Exceptionalities
All psychological and educational evaluations/reports regarding special needs testing of students received from local
public schools, persons, or agencies are forwarded to Holy Family Catholic School, upon request. These records are
kept on file at the school for a period of seven (7) years after the exit of the student. These records are kept in a secure
file and area accessible only to the principal, the counselor, and any other appropriate staff members working with the
student. Parents may view their child’s record at any time. These records may not be forwarded to any other individual
or agency.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Criteria for Acceptance of Students with Exceptionalities
In making a determination regarding the admittance of a particular student, the school will review the child’s ability to
meet the school’s academic, behavioral, and physical qualifications. Each Catholic school determines its ability to
meet the need of the student applicant. Consideration will be given to the following:
- Student’s demonstrated ability to meet grade level requirements;

- Record of student’s ability to follow school rules and regulations; and
- Student’s ability to meet the physical requirements of attendance.
Holy Family’s Services for Exceptionalities
New Students – When the Admission Office or the principal is notified that an incoming student may have special
learning needs, the principal and other appropriate school staff review current academic, social, medical, and
psychological evaluations to determine if the applicant is qualified to enroll, with or without his/her disability. If the
applicant is qualified for enrollment, the principal and grade level teacher(s) will then determine if reasonable
adjustments can be made to the educational program which will accommodate the student’s needs. If an admission is
determined, the school will begin the procedures with parents to discuss a Catholic Accommodation Plan.
Currently Enrolled Students
If a teacher (or parent) is concerned about a child’s academic, behavioral, or emotional progress and feels that testing
may be needed, he/she will discuss concerns with the parent/family and the principal, as soon as possible. We work as
a team to do what is best for the child and will discuss:
- The student’s current educational status, including attendance records, grades, assessment data, and classroom
observations
- Previous educational efforts and strategies provided for the students and the results
- Documentation of recent vision and hearing screenings
- Updated general health history inventory; and
- Other information provided by the parents or teachers.
Parents will be expected to disclose any pertinent information that may assist us in educating the student. The
principal and staff are responsible for recommending educational alternatives and/or referral to the local school district
and/or private agency of the parent’s choice for further evaluation. In some cases, the campus may not have the
resources necessary to help the child be successful. The principal will then assist the family to locate an appropriate
educational program for the child.
Documentation for all referrals must be kept on file. This documentation will be included in the student’s records. If
an evaluation determines the student requires minor accommodations, the school will begin the procedures with
parents to discuss a Catholic Accommodation Plan. Accommodations for a child will be noted on the report card and
in the child’s permanent folder.
Student Success Expectations for Students with Exceptionalities
All available school resources shall be utilized to promote student success. Lines of communication will be kept open
to inform parents of student progress in all areas. Concerns about a student will be addressed initially by the classroom
teacher and parent. School success can only be attained through cooperation between parents and educators. Parents
are expected to disclose any pertinent information from private resources (diagnoses and recommendations) that
would be of specific educational value in programming adequately for their children. If it is determined that the
school’s resources cannot meet the needs of a student, or if parent(s)/guardian(s) fail to act on the school’s
recommendations for remediation or diagnostic evaluation, the principal may request withdrawal of the student or
deny admission for the following year.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Accommodations for Students with Exceptionalities
The purpose of an accommodation of any type is to provide the appropriate instruction according to the individual
student’s special needs. As a result of a diagnostic evaluation, a student meets certain criteria to qualify for
accommodations to his/her schoolwork. In many instances, accommodations (changes in methods of instruction) can
be made in the classroom for students with special needs or for struggling students. Students who are diagnosed with a
learning difference or who are diagnosed with a special need through the public-school system, private doctors, or
through special agencies may be referred for special assistance with the principal after the administration has
verification of the student’s recommended accommodations. (Curricular modifications are not provided because
modifications require alterations of curricular objectives.) The number of intervention sessions per week, length of
sessions, and goals will be determined by the principal, tutor and classroom teacher after all available information has
been reviewed.
Standardized Assessment for Students with Exceptionalities
Standardized assessments are one of several means of evaluating student performance. All students participate in the
Archdiocese standardized assessment program. Students with disabilities identified through IDEA may require
assessment accommodations. These accommodations should be provided on a weekly basis through the classroom
teacher. These testing arrangements must be planned for in advance through a meeting with the principal. Any
adjustment made on the standardized assessment must be requested from the Catholic Schools Office.
Guidance and Counseling
The Catholic school offers many guidance opportunities to all students. These include value-oriented lessons,
individual attention, meaningful liturgical celebrations, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, frequent affirmation, and the
consistent application of Catholic principles of social justice. The guidance process is continuing and developmental
and helps all students develop wholesome self-concepts, self-discipline and skills to choose safe and healthy lifestyles.
(Refer to Texas Catholic Conference Accreditation Manual, Guide to Quality and Effectiveness, Section IV.)
Guidance curricula assist the classroom teacher in integrating guidance with other subject areas. The Guidance
Program was developed by the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Guidance lessons are integrated within classroom
lessons. Specific guidance lessons are planned by teachers using the curriculum. They also work together to bring in
speakers, programs and other opportunities that support the guidance curriculum. Please contact your child(ren)’s
teacher and/or the principal with specific questions.
Counselors are made available to HFCS in the event of an emergency. There is a team of counselors put together by
the Catholic Schools Office to support students and faculty in the event of an emergency.
Education in Human Sexuality
All religious education programs within the Catholic schools will incorporate human sexuality education, wherein not
only the biological realities, but also the religious and moral dimension of human behavior is addressed at age-
appropriate levels. The Archdiocesan curriculum for Human Sexuality, The Catholic Vision of Love Guidelines and
Resources, must be followed in each school’s human sexuality program. Curriculum and information will be sent
home to parents before the class takes place, so they can ask questions about the program.
Curriculum
Curriculum at HFCS is an Archdiocesan curriculum (founded on Christian values and authentic Catholic doctrine)
based on the Texas Education Agency (TEA) essential elements as part of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills
(TEKS). Our campus curricula program is accredited by TCCB ED and Master teachers from the Archdiocese of
Galveston-Houston Catholic schools develop, review TEKS and make recommendations as needed to utilize TEKS as
the basis for our teaching coupled with Catholic doctrine and enhanced learning opportunities. It is our philosophy and
belief that our curriculum demonstrates an excellence in academics, rather than merely the essentials of academics,
since our curriculum is based on national standards. Our curriculum includes English/Language Arts (reading,
grammar, phonics, spelling, creative expression, and writing), math, science, social studies (history and geography),
fine arts, P.E., and religion. HFCS also offers technology and library for all classes.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Sacramental Preparation
Students participate in religion class every day. During second grade, students prepare for the Sacraments of
Reconciliation and First Communion.
HFCS Distance Learning Plan
The Holy Family Catholic School Distance Learning Plan (HFCS DLP) is intended to describe the actions and
approach HFCS will take in the event of an extended school closure. If the HFCS campus is closed and this HFCS
DLP is activated, the Principal will send email communication to parents and faculty/staff making this announcement
and delineating a timeframe for its implementation.
The transition to distance learning may not be simple or easy. Depending on the situation that prompted the closure,
there will be lots of items to consider, academic, religious and socio-emotional supports. Teachers will need to think
differently about how they communicate, give instruction, and provide feedback as well as how to design lessons and
assignments that are authentic and meaningful. They will also spend time talking with students via video conferencing
to answer questions, offer support as well as offer the opportunity for students to interact with their peers. Parents will
need to think differently about how to support their children; how to create structures and routines that allow their
children to be successful; and how to monitor and support their children’s learning. Some children will thrive with
distance learning, and some will struggle. What we can guarantee is that, as with everything we do here at Holy
Family’s, we will walk through this journey together in a partnership between home and school through clear
consistent communication and updates.
If the HFCS Distance Learning Plan in implemented, parents will receive the school schedule and expectations for
distance learning. HFCS would combine updates from the committee to strengthen our current HFCS
Distance Learning Plan. A structured approach to online classes will allow you to better plan for
student lesson access, for your own workload, and will also provide links to the live instruction that
you may access at a more convenient time for your household. This structured approach will most
likely include:
• A daily schedule for your child, including live teacher lessons, direct teaching, guided practice, access to
recorded lessons and online resources
• Weekly Tutorials (added tutorials will be based on student need)
• Differentiated Learning Opportunities that will offer support and enrichment for students
• Access to weekly lesson plans via FACTS/SIS
• Daily office hours scheduled by the teacher
Core Subjects
Grades 1 – 3 Religion, English, Spelling, Reading and Mathematics
Grades 4 – 5 Religion, English/Spelling, Reading, Mathematics, Science and

Social Studies
Grades 6 – 8 Religion, Reading/Literature, English, Mathematics, Science

and Social Studies
REVISED 8/18/2021
Grading Scale
Letter Grades
Outstanding Above Average Average Below Average Failing (Conduct)
A+ 99-100 B+ 91-92 C+ 84-85 D+ 76-77 F Below 70 E 100-93
Exceeds
Expectations
A 95-98 B 88-90 C 80-83 D 72-75 S 92-86
Satisfies
Expectations
A- 93-94 B- 86-87 C- 78-79 D- 70-71 N 85-78
Needs
Improvement
U 77 & below
Unsatisfactory
Citizenship or Conduct (All Grades)
E Exceeds Expectations
S Satisfies Expectations
N Needs Improvement
U Unsatisfactory
Textbooks/School Materials
Proper care is expected of all textbooks and school materials (including technology). Lost or damaged textbooks or
school materials are to be paid in full. Students are responsible for the books, textbooks and school materials issued to
them or being used by them. All school materials must be treated respectfully, appropriate fines/consequences will be
issued.
Animals in the Classroom as Teaching Tools
Animals have been part of the learning experience for students for many years. The use of animals in the classroom
proves to be effective at teaching the positive benefits of bonding and caring. Animals may be incorporated into the
classroom environment with the goal of enhancing a variety of learning experiences. Prior to bringing an animal or
animals into the classroom, the following must occur:
- Development of a long-range curriculum plan to assure the animals are responsibly cared for;
- Approval from the principal for animal incorporation into the classroom;
- Inquiries of the parents of involved students regarding allergies, etc.
- Parent notification of animals being housed in the classroom.
Honor Roll
Grades 3-8 for each Nine Weeks
Superior Honor Roll: All A’s
-All A’s and/or E’s in all subject areas (English, Reading, Spelling, Math, Science, Social Studies, Religion,
Ancillary Classes)
-Conduct grade of E
Outstanding Honor Roll: A/B Academic Honor Roll
-At least one A and all B’s S’s and E’s in all subject areas (English, Reading, Spelling, Math, Science, Social
Studies, Religion, Ancillary Classes)
-Conduct grade of E
REVISED 8/18/2021
Christian Code of Conduct
Christian behavior and respect shall be observed during any verbal and nonverbal communication at all levels within
the school community (including staff). The following actions will be termed in violation of Christian charity and may
result in dismissal from the school:
• Public criticism of school personnel, policies, or procedures or ANY behavior which does not promote the
school in a positive manner (this includes social media sites).
• Threats, implied or actual, of any nature toward personnel or families.
• Verbal/nonverbal acts of aggression including yelling, screaming, pushing, etc.
• Public discussion/generation of rumors about students, family matters, staff, faculty, or procedures or ANY
behavior which does not promote the school in a positive manner
• Consistent and persistent disagreement with the administration or teacher policies. Rules are established to
maintain order, provide a faith-based religious education, and teach strong academics.
• Blatant disregard to follow and support the requirements and expectations of all handbook policies.
Standards For Catholic School Employees
All employees of schools, whether parish/regional or independently operated, that are recognizedas Catholic in
The Archdiocese of Galveston - Houston must comply with the standards and procedures of the Texas Catholic
Conference of Bishops Education Department. Additionally, parish schools must comply with this
Administrators’ Handbook of Policies and Procedures for Elementary Schools, The Archdiocese of Galveston-
Houston Ethical and Personal Policy https://www.archgh.org/media/11094/agh-ethical-and-personal-policy-
august-2018.pdf as well as applicable policies of the Archdiocese. This handbook and the policies of the
Archdiocese may be amended and supplemented from time to time.
For the purpose of this Handbook, the term “Catholic School” shall refer to all parish schools. Similarly, the
term “independent Catholic School” shall refer to all privately owned elementary schools recognized and
approved by the Archbishop of Galveston-Houston as Catholic.
Employees are employed by a specific parish, regional, or independent school. Employees of parishschools are
hired at the discretion of the Pastor and report to the Principal in all school matters. Employees of parish schools
are hired at the discretion of the Pastor and report to the Principal in all school matters. Independent Catholic
Schools stand as separate legal entities.
All employees, including the Principal are obliged to observe all local school policies and regulations in the
Employee Handbook for each campus, as well as the applicable policies of the Archdiocese of Galveston -
Houston. All employees, including the Principal, will sign acknowledgement of receipt for Employment
Handbook and any other handbooks required by the Catholic Schools Office.
Employees acknowledge their responsibility in the educational ministry of the Archdiocese and agree that an
essential function of his/her position is to promote the Roman Catholic ministry, beliefs, teachings, doctrine,
and faith. Teachers commit to incorporating these tenets of faith into his/her lessons and curriculum. Employees,
therefore, are expected to conduct themselves in word, action, and example in a manner consistent with the
academic, social, moral, and religious teachingof the Roman Catholic Church (whether on or off school campus
and whether on or off duty) as stipulated in his/her contract or Letter of Employment.
In addition, teachers agree to aid in the faith development of the students attending a Catholic school and grow
in their own faith life through catechist certification (See details in section 4304).
Employees agree to refrain from engaging in any conduct that may reflect negatively upon, discredit, or tarnish
the reputation of any of the Catholic schools, or that is inconsistent with the ministry, beliefs, doctrine, teachings
REVISED 8/18/2021
and faith of the Roman Catholic Church, including but not limited to, the Church’s teachings regarding marriage
and family. Any violation of the foregoing responsibilities and obligations is grounds for termination of
employment for cause.
If any employee has questions regarding the policies and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church,they may
request clarification through the Pastor. All personnel shall cooperate in forming the Catholic educational
community by their words and actions.
Communication
All available school resources shall be utilized to promote student success. Lines of communication will be kept open
to inform parents of student progress in all areas through weekly website updates, conferences, progress reports and
report cards. Student success can only be attained through cooperation between parents and educators. Concerns about
a student will be addressed initially by the classroom teacher and parent. In the event concerns continue, referrals for
additional assistance and resources may be pursued through the principal. Teachers must be contacted first in order to
resolve an issue. If you do not feel that the issue has been resolved to your satisfaction, contact the principal.
Parents wishing to inquire about the school community’s attitudes regarding specific teachers, qualifications,
programs, curricula, schedules, etc. should schedule an appointment with the principal. Parents who seek to
promote or advocate personal causes, or question school policy and rules, with other parent groups via the
calling of “special meetings,” sending out personal electronic communications or surveys, etc. will be asked to
withdraw their children and relocate to another campus. The appropriate means to gather information is to
schedule a meeting with the principal and request information. Seeking to disrupt the school community by
promoting a personal agenda is disruptive to the school and, ultimately, impacts your child. Our campus is not
a public school and is not suited for all families.
Families and school staff are partners within the educational process. If parents need to be informed about an
occurrence, a written record of the communication will be kept on file. Written records include copies of notes and
reports sent home, a log of phone calls, and accounts of parental conferences. Teachers will contact parents regarding
behavior and academic issues. If the issue is not resolved there will be a meeting scheduled with the classroom
teacher, family and principal to formulate a plan for success.
If parents would like to schedule a conference with the principal, they are invited to contact the school office. If
parents wish to discuss their child's progress, the conference should first be scheduled with the teacher. Parents
wishing to log a complaint against their child's teacher should FIRST address the issue with the teacher. To voice a
concern against a staff member who does not teach their child, parents should contact the principal.
Parent conferences should not interfere with the supervision or instruction of students. Parent conferences may not be
held while a teacher is “on duty”.
All email communication between parents and teachers will be carbon copied to the principal. Please carbon copy all
emails you send to faculty to the principal, [email protected].
Appointments with the administration and/or with teachers must be scheduled in advance. A teacher attempts to return
phone calls and emails within 24 hours during the school week. Please note that messages left for teachers may not be
retrieved until the close of the school day. Teachers are not required to check or send email during the weekends.
Please be mindful of their family time and email during daylight hours.
REVISED 8/18/2021
PARENT/GUARDIAN GRIEVANCE PROCESS
Purpose
The purpose of this process is to provide parents of students enrolled in a parish or regional school within the
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston with an orderly procedure for the equitable and prompt resolution of complaints.
This process is intended to resolve disputes through subsidiarity, at the lowest possible level, in a cooperative,
conciliatory Christian atmosphere.
Scope
The process is not intended to be adversarial in nature and neither party to the grievance shall be represented by Legal
Counsel during any phase of the process. This process replaces all previous processes and statements regarding the
institution and processing of complaints at both the local and Archdiocesan levels.
Exclusions
A parent who has withdrawn their student from the school may not avail themselves of this grievance process.
A parent whose student(s) are not invited to re-enroll may not avail themselves of the grievance process.
During any investigation by local, state, or federal officials, a student is placed on Student Extended Leave. These
absences will be excused, and the student will have an opportunity to complete assignments without reduced credit
during the leave. A parent may not avail themselves of the grievance process when a student is placed on Student
Extended Leave.
Procedural Issue
While the grievance process is designed to accommodate all parent disputes that may arise within the Archdiocese, it
is understood that some situations require flexibility. Any issues regarding the use of Level One or Two of the
grievance process as listed below, or the appropriate administrator at those levels, shall be resolved by the
Archdiocesan Superintendent of Catholic Schools.
Level One-Informal Resolution/Conciliation (Campus)
It is the intent of this policy to resolve parent complaints at the lowest possible administrative level and in a
cooperative Christian atmosphere through subsidiarity. This process is not intended to be adversarial in nature. Prior to
using the steps set forth below, the parent or guardian shall meet with the person with whom he/she is having a
dispute. If the concern is not resolved, he/she should move to the person’s direct supervisor in an effort to find
resolution.
If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved with the person’s direct supervisor, the parent should request a meeting with
the Principal within five working (5) days. If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved with the Principal, the parent
should request a meeting with the Pastor within five working (5) days. If the Pastor agrees with the Principal’s
decision, Pastor may decline to meet, and parent may then proceed directly to Level Two. If the Pastor agrees to meet,
but the matter is not then settled satisfactorily, the parent may appeal the decision within seven (7) working days to the
Level Two Grievance Committee.
Level Two – Grievance Committee (Catholic Schools Office)
The Catholic Schools Office for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston has established a Grievance Committee for the
purpose of hearing complaint appeals from Level One of the Parent Grievance Process. The committee reviewing the
complaint will consist of an Assistant Superintendent from the Catholic Schools Office and two Archdiocesan
Principals selected by the Superintendent of Catholic Schools or their designee. The following procedure shall then be
utilized:
1) The parent shall contact the Catholic Schools Office at 713-741-8704 to request the Level Two
Appeal/Grievance Form within seven (7) working days of the Level One decision.
REVISED 8/18/2021
2) The written appeal shall be submitted to the Level Two Grievance Committee within seven (7) working
days following the parent’s receipt of the Level Two Appeal/Grievance Form. The grievance is submitted
in writing (using the form provided) to the Catholic Schools Office via email addressed to
[email protected] along with any additional materials or documentation the parent would like
reviewed by the committee.
3) The Principal and Pastor will receive a copy of the Level Two Appeal/Grievance Form and other
attachments filed with the Catholic Schools Office. The Principal and Pastor will forward their response
to the Level Two Grievance Committee within seven (7) working days of their receipt of the Level Two
Appeal/Grievance form submitted by the parent
4) The record for the Level Two Grievance Committee’s consideration shall consist of all materials
submitted by the parent and the written response provided by the Pastor and Principal. The committee has
the discretion to accept or deny an appeal based on the evidence presented. If the appeal is denied, the
decision rendered at Level One of the Parent Grievance Process will be final and no further appeals may
be made to the school, the Catholic Schools Office, or any other Archdiocesan ministry or entity.
5) If the appeal is accepted for review, the Level Two Grievance Committee shall then schedule a conference
with the parent and/or school administration, if necessary, within fifteen (15) working days from the date
the written appeal is received. The committee will make a reasonable effort to schedule a conference at
a time agreeable to all parties. At this conference, the committee shall hear the appeal and review the
materials presented, as well as any other information the committee deems relevant.
6) In an Archdiocesan parish school, the Level Two Grievance Committee shall make a recommendation for
decision to the Pastor within seven (7) working days after the scheduled conference has been held and a
copy of the recommendation will be sent to the Archdiocesan Superintendent. The Pastor may accept,
reject, or modify the Level Two Grievance Committee’s recommendation. The Pastor’s decision will be
communicated to the Principal, parent, and Superintendent of Catholic Schools within seven (7) working
days upon receiving the Level Two Grievance Committee’s recommendation.
7) If the Pastor does not issue a written decision within the seven (7) working day limit, that will be deemed
as an acceptance of the committee’s recommendation who will then communicate the decision to the
parent, Principal, Pastor, and Superintendent of Catholic Schools.
8) In an Archdiocesan regional school, the Level Two Grievance Committee shall make a recommendation
to the Archdiocesan Superintendent. The Archdiocesan Superintendent may accept, reject, or modify the
committee’s recommendation. The Archdiocesan Superintendent’s decision will be communicated to the
Principal and parent within seven (7) working days upon receiving the Level Two Grievance Committee’s
recommendation. If the Archdiocesan Superintendent does not issue a written decision within the seven
(7) working days limit, that will be deemed an acceptance of the committee’s recommendation. The Level
Two Grievance Committee will then communicate the decision to parent and Principal.
9) Decisions at Level Two reached by the Pastor (parish schools) and Superintendent of Catholic Schools
(regional schools) are final and no further appeals may be made to the school, the Catholic Schools Office,
or any other Archdiocesan ministry or entity.
REVISED 8/18/2021
TERMINATION OF ENROLLMENT
TERMINATION FOR ACADEMIC REASONS

When it becomes necessary to withdraw a student due to academic reasons, written documentation of compliance with
the following procedures is to be retained in the student’s confidential file:
a) There is consultation between the academic support team and Principal as early as possible in the first
semester.
b) Conferences are held with the parents to advise them concerning the possibility of withdrawal for
academic reasons and to discuss possible remedial actions and educational alternatives.
c) Follow-up conferences are held with the parents to evaluate the progress of the student.
d) The final decision is made by the Principal, in consultation with the CSO Liaison.
ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWAL OF STUDENT FOR PARENT, OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS, OR

GUEST’S BEHAVIOR
Misconduct committed by a member of the school community other than a student (including parents, other family
members, and guests) can significantly hinder a school’s ability to perform its essential task of educating students. As
a result, misconduct committed by a person connected to the school through a student (including parents, other family
members, or guests) may result in the expulsion or an administrative withdrawal of the student from the school.
All members of the school community, including parents, family members or guests, are expected to comply with all
school rules and policies while on campus and in communications with the school. All community members should be
respectful, cooperate with the school with respect to all decisions affecting the student, and avoid behavior which
disrupts the orderly administration of the school. A community member’s failure to meet these expectations
jeopardizes school administration, requires the school to expend resources to address inappropriate and unnecessary
behavior, and detracts from the school’s core mission and, as a result, may jeopardize a student’s continued
participation in the school community. The failure of a student’s parents, other family members, or guests to comply
with these expectations, separate and apart from the student’s conduct, may result in restricted access to the campus or
administrative withdrawal of the student. Except in cases of severe misconduct which may jeopardize the safety or
security of another member of the school community, the Principal should communicate the expectations of parental
and guest behavior prior to restricting their access.
Appeal and Review of Expulsions and Extended Suspensions

(Archdiocesan Superintendent of Catholic Schools)
A parent/guardian may appeal directly to the Archdiocesan Superintendent when the issue is concerning an
expulsion or a discipline issue involving suspension (in or out of school) of a student from classes lasting five (5)
or more consecutive school days. In such cases, the following procedure shall be utilized:
a. A written appeal shall be submitted to the Archdiocesan Superintendent within five (5) working days
following the parent/guardian’s notification of expulsion or suspension lasting five (5) or more consecutive
school days.
b. The record for the appeal to the Archdiocesan Superintendent shall consist of a written statement setting
forth with specificity the reason(s) for the parent/guardian’s dissatisfaction with the decision to expel or
suspend the student lasting five (5) or more consecutive days. It will also consist information provided by
the principal including, but not limited to the student’s probationary status, disciplinary record, and/or
behavior plan.
c. In consultation with the Chancellor and Moderator of the Curia for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, the
Archdiocesan Superintendent has the discretion to accept or deny any appeal based on the evidence presented.
If the appeal is denied, the decision rendered by the principal and pastor will be final and no further appeals
may be made to the school, the Catholic Schools Office, or any other Archdiocesan ministry or entity.
d. If the Archdiocesan Superintendent accepts the appeal for review, he/she shall then schedule a conference
with the parent/guardian within ten (10) working days from the date the written appeal is received. The
Superintendent will make a reasonable effort to schedule a conference at a time agreeable to all parties. At
REVISED 8/18/2021
this conference, the Superintendent will hear the appeal and review the materials presented provided as a
matter of record.
e. The Archdiocesan Superintendent shall make a recommendation for decision to the Chancellor and Moderator
of the Curia within five (5) working days after the scheduled conference has been held, and a copy of the
recommendation shall be forwarded to the parent/guardian.
f. The Chancellor and Moderator of the Curia, in consultation with the Archbishop, may accept, reject, or modify
the Archdiocesan Superintendent's recommendation, or take any other action he deems appropriate. The
Chancellor and Moderator of the Curia’s decision will be communicated in writing to the parent/guardian
within fifteen (15) working days of receipt of the Archdiocesan Superintendent‘s recommendation and shall be
final for all purposes.
g. No provision of this process shall be understood to limit the ecclesial authority of the Chancellor and Moderator
of the Curia and/or Archbishop. The Chancellor and Moderator of the Curia and/or Archbishop may, in their
discretion, choose to intervene in this process at any stage if they deem it necessary.
Procedural Issues
While the grievance process is designed to accommodate all parent/student disputes that may arise within the
Archdiocese, it is understood that some situations require flexibility. Any issues regarding the use of Level One or
Purpose
The purpose of this process is to provide parents of students enrolled in a parish or regional school within the
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston with an orderly procedure for the equitable and prompt resolution of complaints.
This process is intended to resolve disputes through subsidiarity, at the lowest possible level, in a cooperative,
conciliatory Christian atmosphere.
Scope
The process is not intended to be adversarial in nature and neither party to the grievance shall be represented by Legal
Counsel during any phase of the process. This process replaces all previous processes and statements regarding the
institution and processing of complaints at both the local and Archdiocesan levels.
Exclusions
A parent who has withdrawn their student from the school may not avail themselves of this grievance process.
A parent whose student(s) are not invited to re-enroll may not avail themselves of the grievance process.
During any investigation by local, state, or federal officials, a student is placed on Student Extended Leave. These
absences will be excused, and the student will have an opportunity to complete assignments without reduced credit
during the leave. A parent may not avail themselves of the grievance process when a student is placed on Student
Extended Leave.
Procedural Issue
While the grievance process is designed to accommodate all parent disputes that may arise within the Archdiocese, it
is understood that some situations require flexibility. Any issues regarding the use of Level One or Two of the
grievance process as listed below, or the appropriate administrator at those levels, shall be resolved by the
Archdiocesan Superintendent of Catholic Schools.
Level One-Informal Resolution/Conciliation (Campus)
It is the intent of this policy to resolve parent complaints at the lowest possible administrative level and in a
cooperative Christian atmosphere through subsidiarity. This process is not intended to be adversarial in nature. Prior to
using the steps set forth below, the parent or guardian shall meet with the person with whom he/she is having a
REVISED 8/18/2021
dispute. If the concern is not resolved, he/she should move to the person’s direct supervisor in an effort to find
resolution.
If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved with the person’s direct supervisor, the parent should request a meeting with
the Principal within five working (5) days. If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved with the Principal, the parent
should request a meeting with the Pastor within five working (5) days. If the Pastor agrees with the Principal’s
decision, Pastor may decline to meet, and parent may then proceed directly to Level Two. If the Pastor agrees to meet,
but the matter is not then settled satisfactorily, the parent may appeal the decision within seven (7) working days to the
Level Two Grievance Committee.
Level Two – Grievance Committee (Catholic Schools Office)
The Catholic Schools Office for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston has established a Grievance Committee for the
purpose of hearing complaint appeals from Level One of the Parent Grievance Process. The committee reviewing the
complaint will consist of an Assistant Superintendent from the Catholic Schools Office and two Archdiocesan
Principals selected by the Superintendent of Catholic Schools or their designee. The following procedure shall then be
utilized:
10) The parent shall contact the Catholic Schools Office at 713-741-8704 to request the Level Two
Appeal/Grievance Form within seven (7) working days of the Level One decision.
11) The written appeal shall be submitted to the Level Two Grievance Committee within seven (7) working
days following the parent’s receipt of the Level Two Appeal/Grievance Form. The grievance is submitted
in writing (using the form provided) to the Catholic Schools Office via email addressed to
[email protected] along with any additional materials or documentation the parent would like
reviewed by the committee.
12) The Principal and Pastor will receive a copy of the Level Two Appeal/Grievance Form and other
attachments filed with the Catholic Schools Office. The Principal and Pastor will forward their response
to the Level Two Grievance Committee within seven (7) working days of their receipt of the Level Two
Appeal/Grievance form submitted by the parent
13) The record for the Level Two Grievance Committee’s consideration shall consist of all materials
submitted by the parent and the written response provided by the Pastor and Principal. The committee has
the discretion to accept or deny an appeal based on the evidence presented. If the appeal is denied, the
decision rendered at Level One of the Parent Grievance Process will be final and no further appeals may
be made to the school, the Catholic Schools Office, or any other Archdiocesan ministry or entity.
14) If the appeal is accepted for review, the Level Two Grievance Committee shall then schedule a conference
with the parent and/or school administration, if necessary, within fifteen (15) working days from the date
the written appeal is received. The committee will make a reasonable effort to schedule a conference at
a time agreeable to all parties. At this conference, the committee shall hear the appeal and review the
materials presented, as well as any other information the committee deems relevant.
15) In an Archdiocesan parish school, the Level Two Grievance Committee shall make a recommendation for
decision to the Pastor within seven (7) working days after the scheduled conference has been held and a
copy of the recommendation will be sent to the Archdiocesan Superintendent. The Pastor may accept,
reject, or modify the Level Two Grievance Committee’s recommendation. The Pastor’s decision will be
communicated to the Principal, parent, and Superintendent of Catholic Schools within seven (7) working
days upon receiving the Level Two Grievance Committee’s recommendation.
16) If the Pastor does not issue a written decision within the seven (7) working day limit, that will be deemed
as an acceptance of the committee’s recommendation who will then communicate the decision to the
parent, Principal, Pastor, and Superintendent of Catholic Schools.
REVISED 8/18/2021
17) In an Archdiocesan regional school, the Level Two Grievance Committee shall make a recommendation
to the Archdiocesan Superintendent. The Archdiocesan Superintendent may accept, reject, or modify the
committee’s recommendation. The Archdiocesan Superintendent’s decision will be communicated to the
Principal and parent within seven (7) working days upon receiving the Level Two Grievance Committee’s
recommendation. If the Archdiocesan Superintendent does not issue a written decision within the seven
(7) working days limit, that will be deemed an acceptance of the committee’s recommendation. The Level
Two Grievance Committee will then communicate the decision to parent and Principal.
18) Decisions at Level Two reached by the Pastor (parish schools) and Superintendent of Catholic Schools
(regional schools) are final and no further appeals may be made to the school, the Catholic Schools Office,
or any other Archdiocesan ministry or entity.
TERMINATION OF ENROLLMENT
TERMINATION FOR ACADEMIC REASONS

When it becomes necessary to withdraw a student due to academic reasons, written documentation of compliance with
the following procedures is to be retained in the student’s confidential file:
e) There is consultation between the academic support team and Principal as early as possible in the first
semester.
f) Conferences are held with the parents to advise them concerning the possibility of withdrawal for
academic reasons and to discuss possible remedial actions and educational alternatives.
g) Follow-up conferences are held with the parents to evaluate the progress of the student.
h) The final decision is made by the Principal, in consultation with the CSO Liaison.
ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWAL OF STUDENT FOR PARENT, OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS, OR

GUEST’S BEHAVIOR
Misconduct committed by a member of the school community other than a student (including parents, other family
members, and guests) can significantly hinder a school’s ability to perform its essential task of educating students. As
a result, misconduct committed by a person connected to the school through a student (including parents, other family
members, or guests) may result in the expulsion or an administrative withdrawal of the student from the school.
All members of the school community, including parents, family members or guests, are expected to comply with all
school rules and policies while on campus and in communications with the school. All community members should be
respectful, cooperate with the school with respect to all decisions affecting the student, and avoid behavior which
disrupts the orderly administration of the school. A community member’s failure to meet these expectations
jeopardizes school administration, requires the school to expend resources to address inappropriate and unnecessary
behavior, and detracts from the school’s core mission and, as a result, may jeopardize a student’s continued
participation in the school community. The failure of a student’s parents, other family members, or guests to comply
with these expectations, separate and apart from the student’s conduct, may result in restricted access to the campus or
administrative withdrawal of the student. Except in cases of severe misconduct which may jeopardize the safety or
security of another member of the school community, the Principal should communicate the expectations of parental
and guest behavior prior to restricting their access.
Computation of Time
The time limits of the complaint process shall be based on working days, i.e., Monday through Friday. If any of the
timeline falls on school holidays or breaks; the timeline shall be extended to add the corresponding number of
working days to the timeline. Time limits may require flexibility and, if necessary, may be modified at the
discretion of the Catholic Schools Office.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Confidentiality
Please do not call the school to request any phone numbers or addresses for any HFCS family or employee. It is a
violation of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, FERPA, for us to divulge confidential information.
Teachers are not permitted to discuss other students’ progress and/or behavior with anyone other than the
parents. School events, such as Open House, Meet the Teacher and/or other special occasions are not
conference times including day to day interactions (car line and hallway interactions), Please refrain from
discussing items meant for personal conference times at school events and schedule conferences at appropriate
times in order to maintain confidentiality for students and families. Our focus when we are meeting with you is
your child. We are not permitted to discuss other student behaviors or academic information.
Volunteers that serve as substitute teachers, room moms or in other school capacities will be asked to sign the
HFCS Confidentiality Agreement in order to maintain confidentiality of our families.
FACTS Student Information System (FACTS/SIS)
Parents and students can access grades, performance, attendance, conduct, teacher comments and up-coming
assignments online. Grades are updated weekly. It is important that parents review grades with their children using the
online system. Automatic Grade Monitoring sends parents automatic email alerts about their child's current progress.
If you forget your login information contact Ms. Marmaduke, [email protected], and she will assist you with
the system.
Conferences
Conferences are scheduled once per year. Parents may request additional conferences to discuss concerns with their
child(ren)’s teacher(s). Teachers may also call to schedule a meeting to discuss progress. Parents wanting to speak
with teachers concerning their children's progress may request an appointment by calling or emailing the teacher at
school. Although the teacher may not be called from class for a telephone call, he/she will return your call at his/her
earliest convenience. Parents are encouraged to communicate with teachers through e-mail. Teachers will return
phone calls and /or emails within 24 hours during the work week. Teachers will not return phone calls or emails
during school breaks and weekends.
Promotion and Retention
A student is promoted to the next grade pending satisfactory completion of the work of the current grade. Promotion
shall be based upon the student accomplishing the required essential curriculum elements, as well as his/her progress
in social, emotional, and physical growth. Just as the principal reserves the right to place a student, the principal also
reserves the right to recommend retaining a student who does not show developmentally appropriate social skills for
promotion to the next grade.
If a student receives a grade of below 70 for the year, the student fails the subject. If two major subjects are failed, the
child is recommended for retention. The major subjects are Religion, Reading, English/Language Arts, Mathematics,
Science, and Social Studies. If parents of a child, recommended for retention, do not agree with the recommendation
of the teacher(s) and administrator(s), they have the option of withdrawing their child and placing him/her in another
educational environment.
Promotion --A student is promoted if, considering his/her abilities, he/she satisfactorily completed the work of the
current grade. Promotion from Early Childhood shall be based upon accomplishing the required essential curriculum
elements as well as progress made in social, emotional, and physical growth.
Retention –A student may not be retained more than twice from grades K-8 and no more than once in the same grade.
Failing final grades may result in a student not being promoted to the next grade level. Parents will be notified by the
student’s classroom teacher if there is a concern about progress early in the year, so interventions can begin to support
student success.
REVISED 8/18/2021
If all possibilities have been explored and the school cannot meet the needs of the student or the parent(s) have not
acted on the school’s recommendations regarding diagnostic evaluation, the principal has the right to request
withdrawal of the student (if currently enrolled) or deny re-enrollment.
Graduation
Graduation from elementary/middle school is a promotion to the next grade. Promotion is governed by the same
criteria as established for other grades.
a) Graduation Ceremonies: Graduation from middle school may be marked by a simple and dignified exercise which
gives recognition to the unique value of the Christian education just completed.
b) Early Graduation. According to the standards of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Education Department,
no school may schedule graduation ceremonies earlier than five days prior to the last instructional day of school. Any
deviation from this standard requires written permission from the Superintendent of Catholic Schools.
c) Students that receive a modified curriculum will be given a certificate of program completion at the time they exit
the school.
Friday Letter
The principal emails a letter to parents every Friday. The letter informs parents of upcoming events and news from the
school.
Assignment Books
Students, in grades 6-8, will use an assignment book, issued to him or her by the homeroom teacher at the beginning
of the year to record his/her daily assignments, tests and long-term projects. The assignment book is an organizational
tool. Many parents verify completion of homework by initialing the assignment book. Teachers may require you to
sign the assignment book nightly as a means of daily communication. Classroom teachers will inform parents if they
require the assignment to be initialed or signed daily.
Homework
Teachers should assign homework with great care. Assignments should reinforce skills previously taught, foster habits
of independent study and meet growth needs of individual students. Homework must be work that the student can
complete independently. The work should be of such a nature as to encourage and facilitate, but not demand parental
involvement. Under certain circumstances, assignments may be issued that require the assistance of parents.
Department structure requires coordination of assignments in order to avoid excessive amounts of work. Assignments
which may require specialized resources or in any way disrupt the home should be avoided. Homework should be
reviewed after it is due; so students see where they did well and where they need extra support.
As a general rule, the homework assignments should be made Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening.
Homework should not be assigned on Friday or the last school day before a holiday.
Holy Family Catholic School policy requires homework that includes both written assignments and review/study of
material presented in class. There is no absolute minimum or maximum length of time per evening, as each student’s
needs and ability will dictate the amount of time needed to complete home assignments or study projects and maintain
or master basic skills. All students are expected to have homework completed and turned in on time.
Classroom teachers will inform parents of middle school students of upcoming tests and projects. They will also
update parents and students of project requirements and changes made to the project/test due date schedules when
they are changed.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Homework planned to meet the needs of students has an essential place in the educational program.
Homework should be assigned for the following purposes:
a) reinforcing concepts and skills that have been presented in class,

b) developing the student’s creativity and discipline through enrichment projects or
research, and
c) providing opportunities for the student to work independently and to accept responsibility
for completing a task.
The guidelines below reflect the average daily time frame for homework at each grade level. Times are based on
average students – many students will finish faster, and some students may require additional time to complete
homework assignments. If your child is taking an excessive amount of time to complete their homework, please
contact the teacher. It is very important that teachers know if students are experiencing difficulty with homework
completion.
Homework Time Guidelines
Grades PK - K - 15 minutes
Grades 1-2 - 20 minutes
Grades 3-5 - 30-40 minutes
Grades 6-8 - 40-60 minutes
*The guidelines above are a general guideline and should represent the time it takes the average student to
complete work. Homework supports classwork and is meant to be purposeful for student learning and skill
acquisition. *Homework should not exceed 60 minutes, including reading time and study time. If your
child(ren) are spending more time on homework than the guidelines, contact their teacher(s) to set up a
meeting to discuss homework.
Late Work
Elementary students that do not complete assigned homework will be required to complete it during recess or other
breaks.
Middle School students that do not turn in homework will not receive credit for the assignment. Late graded work will
be completed during lunch.
Frequent failure to complete homework assignments will seriously affect the student’s ability to learn taught materials
and a parent-teacher-student conference will be requested by the teacher. The student is responsible for completing
and turning in his or her assignments. Completed work must arrive to school in the student’s backpack. Work is
considered late if it is not turned in at the directed teacher time. Assignments should be turned in on the date and time
it is due. Any work brought in by parent or emailed by parent is considered late work. If it is turned in during class
because the student forgot it or was working on it, then it is late. Please stress with your child their responsibility of
putting completed homework in backpack the night before, so that it is not forgotten.
If your child has difficulty completing homework in a timely manner or they do not understand what the work
entails, email the teacher. Middle School students will discuss with their teachers any questions pertaining to
homework and projects before the project due date. It is important to inform teachers as soon as there is an
issue with completion or understanding so they can address the situation.
Absent Work
When a student is absent, the student should talk to each teacher outside of the class time or at the teacher's discretion,
to be certain all assignments are known, to discuss assignment due dates, and to schedule make up times for quizzes
and tests.
REVISED 8/18/2021
A student missing work, quizzes and/or tests, due to late arrival, early departure or mid-day appointment, is expected
to turn in the assignments and make up quizzes and/or tests that day, when possible, or the following school day. It is
up to the discretion of the teacher. It is the teachers’ and students’ responsibility to make arrangements with one
another if time after school time is needed to complete work.
Teachers must have a designated folder or area where make-up work is accessible to students. Absent work should be
completed in a timely manner. A student has as many days as he/she was absent to turn in absent work without being
penalized.
Long term projects and tests will be made up the day the student returns to school if they were absent on the due date,
unless provisions have been made by the teacher or administration before the student returns to school.
Testing/Project or Demonstration of Understanding
Testing, written, oral or project based, will be done at the end of a section or unit of learning.
Teachers may occasionally need to retest a student or the class. Retesting a class may be done when it becomes
obvious that the class has not mastered the skills needed to proceed. If the class average is below 70, then reteaching
and retesting is required. Skill requirements are considered mastered when 80% of the class scores an 80% or better.
Ongoing assessments both formal and informal are utilized to ensure that students are progressing.
Retesting a student may be carried out on a limited basis and only when extreme circumstances call for it. If a student
retests the highest grade they can earn is a 70%. Retests for work other than testing is up to the discretion of each
teacher.
Record Viewing
Parents/Legal guardians wishing to view records must make the request in writing twenty-four hours in advance.
This school abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the rights of non-custodial parents. In
the absence of a court order to the contrary, the school will provide the non-custodial 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 and/or a copy of the custody section of the divorce decree to be filed in the student record’s
file.
Visitors, Guests and Field Trips
Visiting Procedures
Chaperones of field trips, school volunteers, and others who have regular contact, which includes eating lunch
with the students or visiting the classroom, are required to participate in the SAFE HAVEN/SAFE
ENVIRONMENT program. More information about this program and registration for it can be found online at
https://galvestonhouston.cmgconnect.org/. SAFE HAVEN/SAFE ENVIRONMENT is considered active for five years
from the date of the class and then a refresher course must be taken to renew for another five years.
For the protection of every student in attendance at Holy Family Catholic School, no one is allowed on the school
premises without first receiving clearance from the school office.
All visitors must go to the office and sign in. They will be required to provide their license to enter into the
Raptor System which will print a visitor badge for the person to wear while they remain on school grounds. If
the Raptor System rejects the license information, the visitor will not be allowed visitation on any part of the school
premises and will be asked to leave the school grounds. Visitors are required to check out in the office before
leaving campus.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Student visitors to Holy Family Catholic School, such as family members and graduates, are expected to make
arrangements in advance with the principal. These visits are ordinarily limited to the lunch period. Our expectations
are that all visitors will remain well-mannered and be well-dressed while on campus. All visitors are expected to check
in and out of the school office. Volunteers are asked to sign in and designate where they are assisting. This will enable
the office staff to locate them if they receive an emergency call at school or need to be reached.
SAFE HAVEN/SAFE ENVIRONMENT (Required for all Volunteers)
All prospective school volunteers (frequent, ongoing, recurring contact expected) must attend the SAFE
ENVIRONMENT/SAFE HAVEN training “Protecting God’s Children (PGC)” program offered by the Archdiocese,
free of charge. PGC is a workshop on child sexual abuse prevention. Applicants must register for SAFE
ENVIRONMENT/SAFE HAVEN training on-line by going to https://galvestonhouston.cmgconnect.org/ The campus
SAFE ENVIRONMENT/SAFE HAVEN Coordinator and Safe Environment Coordinator (SEC) is Lauren
Marmaduke, [email protected].
ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST BE SAFE ENVIRONMENT/SAFE HAVEN CERTIFIED PRIOR TO WORKING
AND/OR VOLUNTEERING ON CAMPUS – NO EXCEPTIONS!
If the prospective school volunteer has attended PGC training previously, the SAFE ENVIRONMENT/SAFE
HAVEN Coordinator will verify the “active” status of the volunteer. If it has been 5 or more years since the volunteer
has taken the initial training, the volunteer must register for the ongoing training, “Keeping the Promise Alive (KPA).”
If it has been less than 5 years since the prospective volunteer has taken the first training, the SAFE
ENVIRONMENT/SAFE HAVEN Coordinator will alert the volunteer as to when their initial volunteer approval will
expire.
If a SAFE ENVIRONMENT/SAFE HAVEN trained volunteer has lost or forgotten his/her user name and/or password
for the SAFE ENVIRONMENT/SAFE HAVEN site, please email the Safe Environment Coordinator Lauren
Marmaduke, [email protected].
As part of the SAFE ENVIRONMENT/SAFE HAVEN training process, volunteers must sign an Ethics Code of
Conduct and submit an authorization form for a background check. All parts of the process must be completed in
order to be fully certified by SAFE ENVIRONMENT/SAFE HAVEN.
Volunteer Dress Code
Volunteers should dress appropriately for a Catholic school campus. Overly casual attire, exercise clothing,
sports attire, or shorts/skirts of an inappropriate length should not be worn.
Volunteer Responsibilities:
As a volunteer, you are responsible for:

• Arriving on time and staying for the agreed upon time.
• Notifying the appropriate persons if you are going to be absent or tardy.
• Performing your tasks to the best of your ability.
• Understanding that the administrator values your service, but may not always be able to honor your
preferences for days, times and places of service.
• Supporting the authority of staff and administrators.
• Upholding parish and program rules.
• Keeping confidential information that you have gained during your volunteer service that is private to young
people and/or their families.
• Promptly making known the confidences of young persons that involve issues of health, life and/or safety.
• Keeping young people under your supervision safe and appropriately occupied.
• Notifying your supervisor or the administration about unsafe conditions or issues causing you concern.
• Supporting the teachings of the Catholic Church and living in accordance with those teachings.
• Enjoying being part of our ministry team.
• Praying for our community and the youth we serve.
Volunteers in Catholic Education by Mary Angela Shaughnessy, SCN (NCEA, 2007)
REVISED 8/18/2021
Lunch Visitation Policy
Parents are encouraged to have lunch with their student during their student’s lunch period, so long as the visits are not
disruptive to the educational process. Please only bring food for your child. All lunch rules and school regulations will
be adhered to even though a parent is present. Parents must sign in and out at the reception desk and obtain a visitors
badge before entering the lunch area. This badge must be worn until you sign out. All lunch visitors must check into
the office, must be SAFE ENVIRONMENT/SAFE HAVEN trained, and wear their visitor badge.
Guest Speakers
Advance permission of the Principal and Pastor is required before any outside speaker may be brought into the school
to address any class or group of students. The Principal may wish to contact the Catholic Schools Office for additional
direction and consultation.
The Principal should refer all contractual agreements to the Legal Counsel for the Catholic Schools Office, and the
Principal should refer to the requirements applicable to all outside parties who speak or present at a school. Speakers
who have not been cleared by the Office of Child and Youth Protection should be escorted at all times by a Safe
Environment-cleared employee of the school.
Care must be taken to ensure the guest speakers have not taken public positions against the moral and social teachings
of the Roman Catholic Church.
Field Trips
Field trips of spiritual, educational, or cultural value shall be authorized in advance by the principal/designee. A field
trip or any other school sanctioned event that occurs off campus (including retreats and 8th grade high school visits)
must be planned and carried out as an extension of, or supplement to, the educational program.
The educational value of the trip must justify the time, distance and expense involved. Field trips are privileges and
students can be denied participation if they fail to meet academic or behavioral requirements.
The principal/designee shall establish and supervise local procedures for school field trips in accordance with
Archdiocesan regulations.
The trip must have direct relevance to the educational program and:
a) The instructor must provide preparation and follow-up activities in the classroom.
b) All expenses must be reasonable and within budget-approved expense limits as set by the principal.
c) Safe and proper transportation must be provided.
d) The school will provide adequate adult supervision. (see .3 below)
e) Parents and all affected staff members must be provided advance notification.
f) The length of time for the field trip must be specified.
The field trip shall be approved by the school’s administration prior to publicity or collection of money or parent
permission slips.
The principal or designee is responsible for providing active and adequate supervision of students during the entire
time they are on school premises or engaged in school-sponsored activities; this includes time on school sponsored
transportation vehicles.
REVISED 8/18/2021
All school staff share this responsibility with the administration.
a) A parent or legally responsible adult must consent to transportation of a student to or from school-
sponsored events using a form approved the Catholic Schools Office.
b) All adults, school personnel as well as other adult chaperones must have completed the Archdiocesan
Safe Environment Program, which includes a criminal background check clearance.
c) Students on field trips must be adequately and effectively supervised. A member of the faculty must be
present on every field trip. The ratio of adult chaperones to students shall be:
• For PK – 3rd grades- 1:5
• For 4th – 8th grades- 1:8
d) All chaperones should devote their full attention to the supervision of the students. Therefore,
chaperones may not bring other children or babies on field trips or school activities.
e) Small groups of children may be supervised by an adult aide or school volunteer to nearby community
or public resources (e.g., public library) as part of an extended lesson.
Educational field trips may be appropriate at each grade level and taken after proper planning, which includes: the
assessment of their educational value, correlation with the subject, assurance that the objectives are appropriate for the
grade level of the students, pre-trip teaching and preparation and appropriate follow-up activities. Please be aware that
field trips are not family outings. Please follow all guidelines presented by the teacher for each individual field trip.
Student Safety:
a) Teachers should carry first aid kits, medication and permission slips when taking students on field trips.
b) When students travel on foot, they should be instructed and supervised regarding the crossing of streets,
use of trails, bicycle paths, etc.
c) The field trip plan shall include arrangements for entering and leaving the vehicles to ensure student
safety and to avoid disruption of traffic. When students travel on a bus, there must be at least one adult
supervisor, excluding the driver, on each bus.
d) If during any field trip students shall be given the opportunity to engage in an activity that presents
special hazards appropriately certified or trained adults must be available for supervision.
e) 15-SEAT passenger vans are expressly prohibited for use.
According to state law, students are not to take part in field trips without written permission from parent/guardian. No
phone permissions are allowed.
Students must return the specific required form completely filled out; no other form will be accepted.
Permission slips include a statement of liability: I/we have given the instructions required above, and I/we release and
save harmless the school and any and all of its employees from any and all liability for any and all harm arising to
my/our son/daughter as a result of this trip, and waive any claims against them that must be signed off on in order to
attend the trip.
No siblings or other children may attend field trips. If a parent is chaperoning, they may not bring siblings or other
children along. Chaperones must adhere to the schedule of the field trip. They may not make extra stops or purchase
items for the students that are assigned to them. Only chaperones are invited to attend field trips. Please do not stop by
the field trip venues, including park lunches, in order to maintain organization and safety for all students.
Teachers will inform parents of the number of chaperones that are required for the field trip. Chaperones are
responsible for paying the entrance fee for the field trip. It is the teacher’s responsibility to organize carpool
procedures for field trips before the trip.
Teachers/Staff are prohibited from driving students on field trips or to other school events.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Deliveries
Only school personnel go directly to the classrooms. Lunches or any other items must be left with office personnel to
deliver to students. All main doors will be locked during the school day. All visitors must go to the office and sign
in. A pass will be provided to remain on school grounds. Visitors are requested to sign out in the office upon
completion of visitation.
Classroom Parties
Holy Family Catholic School class parties are scheduled for the following holidays; Halloween, Christmas,Valentine’s
Day and the last day of school. Room Parents should work with classroom parents. Teachers must be involved in the
planning of the parties and approve the party activities. Parties should be kept simple and at a minimum. Parties are
scheduled for the last hour of the day.
Birthday Snacks
Teachers are not allowed to have birthday parties for students during instruction. No extravagant parties/treats or
visitors are allowed on campus for birthdays. Parents may drop snacks off at the office. Please check with the
homeroom teacher regarding any allergies, so parents can plan for an alternative snack.
Party Invitations
Invitations to parties outside of school are to be given to all students in the class if they are handed out on school
grounds. Permission to hand out invitations is to be given by homeroom teachers. Staff members are prohibited from
giving out contact information to parents for invitations.
Uniform Policy
General Uniform Guidelines for Grades PK-8 (all students):

• Risse Brothers Uniform is the exclusive supplier for uniform items.
• All students (PK-8) must wear the required uniform from the first day of school until the close of the school
year. Notices of exceptions to this rule are sent home in advance (for example, “casual dress” days).
• The HFCS emblem must be on the left side of all shirts for the boys, the girls’ polo shirts, all sweaters and
sweatshirts.
• The Mass uniform is required and is necessary for yearbook pictures (grades PK-8).
• Shirttails and blouses must be tucked in with the exception of the blouse for the middle school girl Mass
uniform..
• Belts must be worn on clothing that has belt loops. Belts are to be black, dark brown, or navy blue.
• All buttons on blouses or shirts (except the collar button) must be buttoned. Boys must button their collar
buttons and wear a tie on Mass days. Blouses or shirts are not allowed with missing buttons.
• Girls' hemlines must not be shorter than 2 inches above the knee for culottes, jumpers, or skirts.
• Girls in PK-8 only may wear Risse Brother navy pants/slacks on non-mass days.
• Holes or rips in uniforms must be repaired, re-stitched, or patched. Students will not be allowed to wear torn
clothing items.
• Uniform violation notices will be issued if guidelines are not followed Usually, warnings are given prior to the
violation being issued. Uniform violations are billed at $10 for each occurrence.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Girls’ Uniforms
PK-4th Grade Girls:
• Pre-Kindergarten – 4th grade girls must wear Risse Brother plaid skort with a required red polo shirt with
emblem. Shorts are never permitted.
• Official Mass uniforms must be worn for Friday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation. Required Mass uniforms
include plaid jumper and white blouse with navy trim.
• To maintain modesty, all upper body undergarments should be plain nude or white when white blouses are
worn.
• Girls in PK-8 may wear Risse Brother navy pants/slacks on non-mass days only.
• Please refer to sections entitled General Uniform Guidelines for Grades PK-8 and to the sections explaining
socks, shoes, jackets and coats for additional information.
5th-8th Grade Girls:

• 5th-8th grade girls may wear a Risse Brother plaid skirt, with a red polo shirt with emblem.
• The official Mass uniform includes a plaid skirt, white buttoned down blouse with emblem. All buttons except
the collar button must be buttoned. The white Mass blouse does not need to be tucked in.
• Privacy shorts are required to be worn under the skirt, but must not be visible.
• School sweatshirts may be worn on Mass days “Hoodies” are not permitted on Mass days.
• To maintain modesty, all upper body undergarments should be plain nude or white when white blouses are
worn.
• Girls in PK-8 may wear Risse Brother navy pants/slacks on non-mass days.
Boys’ Uniforms
PK -4th Grade Boys:
• Pre-Kindergarten-4th grade boys must wear Risse Brothers blue pants or shorts with a red Risse Brothers polo
shirt with emblem.
• Official Mass uniforms must be worn for Mass and Holy Days of Obligation. Required Mass uniforms
include Risse Brothers blue pants, plaid buttoned down shirt with emblem, and a Risse Brothers navy tie.
Shorts are not permitted in church. Pants are required as part of the Mass uniform. All of the buttons
including the collar button should be buttoned on the Mass shirt.
• A black, dark brown, or navy blue belt is required if Risse Brothers uniform pants are designed with belt
loops.
5th - 8th Grade Boys:

• 5th-8th grade boys may wear Risse Brothers blue pants or shorts with a red Risse Brothers polo
shirt with emblem.
• Official Mass uniforms must be worn for Mass and Holy Days of Obligation. Required Mass uniforms
include Risse Brothers blue pants, white buttoned down shirt with emblem, and a Risse Brothers plaid tie.
Shorts are not permitted in church. Pants are required as part of the Mass uniform. All of the buttons
including the collar button should be buttoned on the Mass shirt.
• A black, dark brown, or navy blue belt is required if Risse Brothers uniform pants are designed with belt
loops.
REVISED 8/18/2021
Socks and Shoes – All Grades – Boys and Girls

• Students may wear white or navy socks. Socks must be worn 1 inch above the ankle bone and must be
visible above the shoes.
• Tennis shoes or other footwear must be predominantly SOLID-COLORED white or black
• No bright or neon colors, or other accent colors or glitter may be present on a student's shoe (colors which
would make the shoes lack a predominant solid color).
• No lights, wheelies, pictures, cartoon characters, glitter, etc. should be present on any shoes.
• For safety reasons, flip-flops, open-toed, opened-back, or high-heeled shoes are not permitted, even
on “free” or “casual” dress day).
• Shoes should not come up over the ankle bone. Boots, booties, or high-tops are not allowed on regular
school days.
• Not wearing appropriate shoes, socks, or dress will be a dress code/uniform violation.
• Girls may wear ONLY white or navy tights (solid-colored tights – no prints or patterns) during winter
months. Tights are defined as stockings that have feet in them – leggings without feet are not classified as
tights. Leggings should not be worn as part of the school uniform.
Jackets and Coats

General guidelines for all students - Parents have the option of purchasing the monogrammed navy cardigan and/or
navy fleece jacket through Risse Brothers. In cooler weather, students have the option of wearing long sleeved
thermals or undershirts under their uniform shirts, provided they are solid white or navy.
• A Risse Brothers navy blue cardigan, fleece jacket, or sweatshirt with emblem can be worn in the classroom.
This is recommended for cold weather when a sweater is needed inside the school. These Risse Brothers
sweaters and sweatshirts are the only outerwear that can be worn at Mass or inside any school building.
• Students may wear other jackets and sweaters to and from school and on the playground, but NOT inside the
school.
General Exceptions to Uniform Dress for ALL Grades (PK-8)

Spirit Days – Wednesdays (Unless it is a Holy Day or special occasion).
• Spirit shirts are Holy Family Catholic School t-shirts, a Christian t-shirt, such as one that may have a scripture
on it, or a t-shirt from a high school in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
• Shirts from other Catholic schools are not allowed unless the Principal gives special permission to wear them.
• During Catholic Schools Week, only HFCS Spirit Shirts are allowed (no high school t-shirts) so that we
promote our campus. We are to promote HFCS specifically that week.
• On spirit days, the appropriate skirt, skort, or slacks must be worn with the t-shirt – NOT JEANS.
General Grooming Guidelines for ALL Grades (PK-8)

The way a student dresses affects the way the student behaves and learns. To maintain an atmosphere that is
conducive to learning, we expect our students to be neat, clean, tidy, and modest in appearance. Hairstyles for boys
and girls should meet the standards of good taste for the classroom.
• Boys' hair length must be above the collar, must not cover the ears, and may be just above the ears. Facial
hair is not permitted and must be shaven.
• All students' bangs must be above the eyes.
• Severe haircuts and styles that are disruptive to the learning environment are not allowed (examples –
“Mohawk” or cut-in designs).
• Hair color must be of a natural color.
• The teacher and/or principal will contact parents regarding their child's hairstyle when it is not approved or is
inappropriate. Students may be sent home to remedy the situation.
Girls with pierced ears may wear a single stud, small ball earrings, or small religious earrings. Earrings may only be
worn in the ear lobe. One earring per lobe is allowed. Boys are not allowed to wear earrings of any kind.
Body piercing and tattoos (including temporary or henna tattoos) of any type are not allowed. Jewelry should be
minimal and religious in nature. Students may be asked to remove any jewelry that might be disruptive to the
REVISED 8/18/2021
learning environment. Nail polish or artificial nails are not allowed for students in grades Pre-K through 8th grade.
Makeup is not permitted for students in grades Pre-K through 5th grade. The use of make-up in grades 6th – 8th is a
parental decision. If a parent allows it, natural, shiny lip-gloss (clear or pale/light pink), black or brown mascara, and
very light blush may be allowed at school for middle school girls. School staff may ask a student to remove make up if
it is distracting. Students are not allowed to wear eye shadow or eyeliner. Make up may not be applied at school. Girls
in 6th-8th may wear clear polish, light neutral color polish or white tip manicured nails of a short length.
Personal Grooming Requirements

When girls reach a certain stage of development, modesty requires they should wear undergarments, no matter the
age. Parents are asked to monitor their child’s development and buy undergarments and bras for their female child so
that classroom disruptions do not occur and embarrass the student or the class.
Both boys and girls, at certain times in their development, may need to be conscious of body odor. Usually by third
grade, we begin discussing with students the need for deodorant. Please be mindful of your child’s personal hygiene
needs to avoid embarrassment and help him/her to remember to use specific products for different body odors that are
natural to their bodies.
Boys
Hair must be neatly cut. It cannot be below the collar, below the eyebrows, or below the earlobes. None of the
extreme, trendy, or exaggerated haircuts (including lines, designs sculpting or shaving of the head) or unnatural hair
colors will be allowed. Boys are not allowed to wear hair accessories, such as bandanas. Earrings are not allowed
during school or any school function, and excessive jewelry is not allowed. No body piercing (including magnetic
rings) or tattoos (including temporary or henna tattoos) are allowed. Jewelry is not permitted during P.E. or any sports
activity. Facial hair is not permitted. Boys should be clean-shaven at all times. Boys may not have any body piercing,
tattoos or hair color other than natural.
Casual Dress (formerly known as “Free Dress”) Days

Casual Dress days are announced in advance and through separate handouts sent home. These particular days are
usually reserved for Spring Picture Day or as rewards determined by the Principal. Casual Dress days are not wild,
“free choice” days, but a more “casual dress” day. Parents should use caution when allowing their children to dress
for Casual Dress Days. Not wearing appropriate shoes, socks, or dress will be a dress code/uniform violation, even on
these special days.
Expectations for “Casual Dress Day” are as follows:

• Not Permitted: Tank tops, t-shirts with distasteful slogan/pictures, see-through tops, crop tops, halter tops,
leggings as slacks, high heels, flip flops, and mini-skirts.
• Skirts are to be only 2 inches above the knee.
• Boys and girls in PK3-PK4 ONLY are permitted to wear shorts.
• Girls in K-8 are not permitted to wear shorts of any kind, but may wear capris. Denim capris
are acceptable on casual dress days ONLY.
• Clothes are to be in good taste. This includes no tight or see-through blouses, tight-fitting pants or skinny
jeans, spandex, spaghetti straps, etc.
Backpacks
Students will not be allowed to use backpacks with wheels. This is due to safety concerns for all students and staff. PK
students need to ensure that their communication binder fits inside of their backpack. Miniature backpacks are not
permitted, as they are not big enough to hold the student’s necessary supplies.
Dress Code Violations

Parents are responsible for student compliance with the dress code of HFCS. Faculty members share the responsibility
for enforcement. The school reserves the right to decide whether a student's grooming is in accordance with the
school's high standards. Because the campus values tradition and high ideals, those students in violation of the
uniform and personal appearance code are given notice of the violation. Generally, warnings will be given to
offending students. Then consequences to uniform violations will be earned. The consequences of a violation to the
REVISED 8/18/2021
dress code are as follows:
• Written notice of violation will be sent home and the parent/student pays the required $10.00 fee. Parents may
be required to pick their child up from school so that the student can change into the appropriate uniform for
school.
• For middle school students, each subsequent uniform violation after the second one will result in a discipline
referral.
Student Behavior Policy
Self-Harm and/or Harm to Others
HFCS follows the Steps and Procedures for situations where a student is threatening harm to themselves or
others (see below). It is the responsibility of the school to ensure all students are safe. If a situation arises where
threats to harm self and/or others is documented, the Catholic Schools Office requires the Steps and
Procedures to be followed (see below).
STEPS AND PROCEDURES
Step 1: Contact the principal or counselor immediately. Keep child with adult at all times.
Step 2: Interview referred student to obtain fill details (principal or counselor may use Student
Questionnaire, page 4) Keep child with adult at all times.
Step 3: Interview teacher to obtain student information (principal or counselor may use Teacher
Questionnaire, Page 5) Include writing or pictures created by student if applicable.
Step 4: Contact CSO liaison that same day to review case and create individualized Parent Notification
Letter, Page 6
Step 5: Contact parents to meet at school that day (principal or counselor). Keep child with adult at all
times until parents arrive.
Step 6: Principal meet with parents

1. Student should be supervised by another adult during this meeting
2. Principal provide parents with Parent Notification Letter and review the requirements.
(Principal and parents sign letter)
3. Provide parents with Referral Resources from Psychiatrists and Psychologists list, page 9.
4. Provide parents with Authorization to Release from school to speak to psychiatrist, psychologist
or therapist page 8.
5. Provide parent with Safety Plan page 7 to have Psychologist, Psychiatrist or therapist complete.
6. A complete signed copy of Parent Notification letter is scanned and emailed to CSO liaison.
Step 7: Parents meet with school and provide required documents:

1. Student Psychological/Psychiatric evaluation and letter from the Psychological/Psychiatric
2. Parents provide school with complete Authorization to Release form to speak to Psychologist,
Psychiatrist, and/or therapist.
3. Parents provide school with completed Safety Plan by Psychologist, Psychiatrist, and/or
therapist.
4. Principal/counselor review the documents and student’s educational program.
Step 8: Student is observed throughout the school year and parents will follow Psychologist/Psychiatrist
orders from the evaluation.
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STUDENT RIGHTS - SAFE ENVIRONMENT
The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston endeavors that all students enjoy a safe and healthy school environment. As a
matter of both Archdiocesan school policy and religious moral teaching, students engaging in bullying, harassment,
and other such behavior, seriously or in jest, whether verbal, written, or online, may be subject to disciplinary action
up to and including suspension and/or expulsion.
TCCB ED requires that Catholic schools adopt a policy, approved by the Superintendent of Catholic Schools, that
includes procedures concerning bullying, cyberbullying and harassment and prohibits the bullying of a student and
retaliation against any person, including a victim, a witness, or other person, who in good faith, provides information
concerning an incident of bullying. The policy will include a procedure for providing notice of an incident of bullying
to a school administrator or faculty/staff member.
The Principal and/or other designated administrator will explore all complaints of bullying, harassment, or any other
types of threatening behavior, whether verbal, written, or online according to the guidelines listed in this policy. All
allegations of bullying, harassment, and/or other threatening behavior shall be taken seriously and addressed in a
timely manner.
1. Bullying
Bullying occurs when a student or group of students engages in ongoing written, verbal expression, or
physical conduct that:
• Will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a
student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or damage to the student’s property, or
• Is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that the action or threat creates an intimidating,
threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student.
Examples: Bullying of a student may include, but is not limited to, hazing, threats, taunting, teasing,
confinement, assault, demands for money, destruction of property, theft of valued possessions, name calling,
rumor spreading, ostracism, and cyber bullying.
2. Harassment
Harassment may include, but is not limited to, offensive derogatory language directed at another person’s
religious beliefs or practices, accent, skin color, or need for accommodation, threatening or intimidating
conduct, offensive jokes, name calling, slurs or rumors, physical aggression, or assault, display of graffiti,
printed material, or computer-generated online material promoting racial, ethnic or other negative stereotypes,
or other kinds of aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to property.
3. Reports of Bullying, Harassment, or other Threatening Behavior
Reports of bullying, harassment, abuse, or other threatening behavior shall be made as soon as possible after
the alleged act or knowledge of the alleged act occurs.
Failure to promptly report may impair the administrator’s ability to explore and address the prohibited
conduct.
The following are best practices in dealing with this type of behavior:
• Every individual engaged in the school program should be mindful of the behavior between and
among students and take corrective action when necessary,
• Do not shrug allegations off as “just teasing”,
• Enforce the school’s discipline policies and procedures justly and consistently,
• Review discipline policies and procedures with school employees, and
• Students and parents agree that they understand the policies and procedures related to serious
reports by their signature on the Parent/Student or Family Handbook Acknowledgement Form.
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4. Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment of a student may include, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for
sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment of a student may
occur under a variety of conditions:
• Verbal Harassment: Sexually demeaning comments, sexual statements, questions, slurs, jokes,
anecdotes, or epithets,
• Written/Electronic Harassment: Suggestive or obscene letters, emails, blogs, posts, text messages,
tweets, notes, or invitations. Includes computer-generated posts online,
• Physical Harassment: Unkind, immoral and/or unlawful physical touching, contact, assault,
deliberate impeding or blocking movements, or any intimating interference with normal study or
movement, and
• Visual/Electronic Harassment: Leering, gesture, display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures,
disseminating or posting pictures, cartoons, posters, or any other type of electronic messaging.
5. Search of Lockers and Search and Confiscation of Student Belongings
Lockers are school property and should be maintained by school authorities to protect the safety of all. A
student assigned a locker might have exclusive use, but not proprietary rights versus the school. Schools shall
publish a policy that governs the search of student lockers and the search of personal belongings, including
cell phones and digital devices on school property or at school events. Personal belongings, including cell
phones and digital devices on school property or at school events can be confiscated if they are deemed
illegal, unsafe, material to an investigation, or disruptive to the operation of the school. School officials have
the right to protect the health, welfare, and safety of students against alcohol and drugs, weapons, and other
contraband materials.
The principal will consult with Legal Counsel for the Catholic Schools Office before a search is conducted or items
confiscated.
School Discipline
The Archdiocesan Policy Manual says, “The true goal of any disciplinary measure in the school is to assist the student
in achieving self-discipline which will manifest itself in clear and logical reasoning and in action which is consistent
with moral principles.”
The primary goal of Holy Family Catholic School is the on-going formation of the Christian person. It is the privilege
of faculty and parents, as Christian educators, to help the student form behavioral patterns consistent with Christian
social standards. We are reminded that the Christian social principle “treat others the way you would have them treat
you” (Matthew 8:12) should be the basis of our behavioral code. “Love one another as I have loved you.”
When a student disturbs the teaching/learning environment of the school and/or is disruptive to others, school
personnel will take appropriate action in order to promote the individual student’s positive development and self-
discipline.
The primary consideration in all disciplinary decisions is the obligation of the school to maintain an acceptable
learning environment and a safe place for students.
Teachers must inform parents of discipline issues when they happen. Daily communication may be needed for
students that are struggling to meet expectations.
Regular communication and/or conferences are required to support growth. All teachers must outline procedures for
parents and students throughout the year.
Discipline sets consistent, firm, and reasonable limits to behavior in line with student and group needs and with
appropriate expectations of student and group behavior. It is the term used to describe the process of growing up and
becoming productive members of society.
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It is the role and the responsibility of parents, as the first and best educators of their children,as well as teachers, to
facilitate this type of growth and development of children. One of the most important responsibilities of the Catholic
School is the task of integrating faith and life in order to educate students to appreciate and practice good citizenship.
Respect for the rightsof others, honesty, good sportsmanship, cooperativeness, kindness, and a ready acceptance of
other persons as equals are representative characteristics of the Catholic Christian way of life and good citizenship.
Types of Disciplinary Actions
Action 1: Teacher Discipline
A. Oral correction/Redirection
B. Reset
C. Natural Consequences
D. Contact parent
Action 2: Teacher/Principal
A. Oral Correction/Redirection
B. Reset
C. Natural Consequences
D. Parent Contact
E. Other actions appropriate for the offense
Action 3: Teacher/Principal/Parent
A. Contact parent (principal contacts parent)

B. Parent/teacher/principal conference
C. Loss of privileges
D. Restitution or restoration (Natural Consequence)
E. In-school suspension
F. Other actions appropriate for the offense
Action 4: Parent/Principal
A. Parent/principal conference
B. Actions appropriate for the offense
C. Loss of extracurricular activities (i.e. sports, field trips, camps or trips)
Action 5:
Automatic Dismissal as determined by the CSO and the Principal.
Major offenses may result in an automatic office referral. Major offenses include, but are not limited to:
1. Destruction of property, vandalism of any kind
2. Disrespect towards a staff member or other adult or campus visitor
3. Smoking or use of tobacco, alcohol or other harmful substances, or possession of such items (See Diocesan
Policy below)
4. Theft/cheating
5. Fighting
6. Harassment (including sexual harassment), bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing
7. Intimidation or defiance, including bullying or cursing/verbal assault of adult personnel or students
8. Leaving the classroom, campus, or school grounds without authorization
9. Repeated acts of incorrigible behavior (resulting in repeated discipline referrals)
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10. Possession of weapons and/or other potentially dangerous items

11. Other acts of behavior unbefitting a Holy Family student
Discipline of any action not covered by the behavior policy is at the discretion of the principal and behavior team.
At Holy Family Catholic School, we follow a positive discipline management program throughout the school. School-
wide goals and specific expectations for appropriate attitudes, values and behaviors will be posted in each classroom.
In general, it is based on the following principles:
In order to be effective, teachers have the right to establish routines and procedures that are conducive to learning.
1. Teachers have the right to request and expect appropriate behavior from the students.
2. Teachers have the right to ask for help from parents, the principal, and others when they need assistance with
a student.
3. Students will be made aware of what is expected appropriate behavior.
4. Students will be told clearly and firmly what the natural consequences are for choosing not to follow the
appropriate behavior guidelines.
5. Students will be positively reinforced for following appropriate behavior guidelines.
6. Students will receive a correction, verbal or written for inappropriate behaviors.
Conduct
Students are expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct. A student's classroom conduct and general conduct is
measured according to the following scale:
• E – Excellent 100 - 93
• S – Satisfactory 92 - 86
• N - Needs Improvement 85 - 78
• U – Unsatisfactory 77 & below
The following handbook segment page explains the behavior expectations determining a student's conduct grade.
"Homeroom Conduct" grade is used to reflect the behavior of a student outside the classroom, such as: homeroom,
prayer service, hallways, cafeteria, snack, playground, assemblies, Mass, field trips, at dismissal and other school
sponsored activities. Teachers or staff members will note problems in weekly or daily communication folders and/or
contact the parent by e-mail or phone.
Behavior Expectations
The foundation of Holy Family Catholic School behavior expectations is that students are expected to model Christ-
like behavior at all times.
1. Demonstrate Self-Discipline
Remain seated and quiet during instructional time
Raise your hand to be recognized
Keep hands and feet to self
Keep comments to self (verbal, written, and social media)
Remain quiet in line
Gum chewing is prohibited on school grounds, field trips and/or any event sponsored by Holy Family Catholic
School.
2. Respect Authority
Have respectful attitude towards others
Remember that the teacher is in charge at all times
Use respectful language
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3. Refrain from Excessive Talking and Inappropriate Noises and/or Language
4. Work and Play Well with Others

Be considerate of others’ safety as well as your own
Be polite and patient towards fellow classmates
Use respectful language when speaking to fellow classmates
Be respectful regarding personal space
5. Demonstrate Diligent Work Habits

Have all materials ready for class at appropriate times
Remain attentive and listen to instructions carefully
Stay on task
Turn in assignments on time
Keep homework assignments written in planner
6. Exercise Appropriate Lunchroom Behavior

Follow lunchroom rules
Demonstrate proper table etiquette
Clean-up table and floor when it’s your turn
7. Practice Proper Playground Behavior

Follow rules on playground
Follow all instructions of teachers and monitors
Show respect to playground monitors
8. Dishonesty, Cheating and Plagiarism

Looking onto another's paper, asking for answers, obtaining or seeking answers electronically (for example, by
camera or phone), copying and/or presenting another's work or idea as one's own is considered cheating.
Additionally, knowingly assisting another by giving or showing answers is considered cheating. Cheating of any
sort, or copying someone else's work, on class assignments, homework assignments, quizzes, tests, projects and/or
semester exams is contrary to the principles of Holy Family Catholic School.
If a student is caught cheating, they will receive a 0 for the assignment, serve a detention during lunch, and will
have to complete an alternate assignment. The highest grade they may earn is a 70% on the alternate assignment.
9. Accept the Consequences If You Choose to Misbehave

Verbal warning/ Redirection
Silent lunch for part or entire lunch period
Isolation from recess activities
Notify principal – conference with principal (parent notification) detention
Serious offense –principal’s office – call to parents - detention and conference
Any student who breaks rules or regulations or displays other inappropriate conduct in the major offense’s category,
or who continually breaks orderly conduct rules, may be subject to immediate probation, suspension or expulsion at
the principal's discretion. The principal is the final recourse in all disciplinary situations and may waive any and all
regulations for just cause at his or her discretion.
Holy Family Catholic School reserves the right to search desks and any personal property when it is deemed
necessary by the administration.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty or cheating is a very serious offense. It is a violation of moral standards, not simply a
disciplinary infraction. Depending on the severity and the level of cheating, teachers have discretion to submit a
REVISED 8/18/2021
disciplinary referral and/or to allow the child to earn a “0” on the assignment in question. Plagiarism is included as an
offense of academic dishonesty. Also, older students will be assigned an “N” or a “U” on their report cards for a
cheating offense.
Cafeteria Expectations
Our cafeteria staff and catering company prepare lunches for our students, parents and other adults on a daily basis.
The menu for the month with the listing of daily offerings will be e-mailed to all families. Hot lunches should be
ordered during the prior month and paid for in the office or online. In cases where a child forgets their lunch and did
not order a hot lunch prior to the deadline, the cafeteria manager will give the student lunch and the family will be
charged for the lunch.
Lunches are brought daily from home in appropriate lunch kits and containers that can easily be managed by the
child. Glass containers are not allowed. Lunches should be nutritional and easy for a child to eat within the 30-minute
lunch period. No food may be brought from home that needs to be heated or kept in a refrigerator. Drinks should be
limited to healthy alternatives such as water, juice, and/or milk.
Proper behavior is expected of the students during lunch time. To facilitate quick service, teachers will have students
line up alphabetical order in the lunch line. Teachers eat with students and are responsible for setting up a lunch
seating plan. Each student is responsible for leaving their table area clean, depositing all trash in the proper
receptacles, and pushing in their chairs. Teachers will set up a rotating cleaning schedule to ensure the cafeteria is
clean and ready for the next group of students.
1. Students should remain seated at the table to eat.

2. Students should raise their hand if they need assistance. Permission to leave the table must be given by an
adult monitor after the student raises his/her hand.
3. Students are not allowed to share food.
4. Food and drinks may not be brought out of the cafeteria.
5. Students should clean their own eating area. Students will take turns wiping off the table and sweeping the
floor before they leave.
Firearms and Weapons Policy
Weapons such as handguns, firearms, or other similar devices are strictly prohibited from the Holy Family Catholic
campus. Any student with such an item found on his/her person or in his/her belongings will be subject to immediate
expulsion from Holy Family Catholic School. In addition, information will be provided to Galveston County and/or
the City of Galveston authorities who will determine if criminal charges will be pursued against the student and/or the
parent or guardian.
Knives, razors, or any similar articles capable of inflicting serious bodily injury are also prohibited from being
brought on campus. Doing so will result in immediate probation, suspension, or expulsion at the discretion of the
principal and/or pastor.
No Smoking Policy
Holy Family Catholic School is a smoke-free environment. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on school property or
at any school-related function off campus at any time.
Archdiocesan Policy Regarding Use of Controlled Substances
"The use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession and use of alcohol is wrong and harmful. A student is subject to
removal from class which may result in suspension, expulsion, or referral for prosecution. This policy is in effect
whether the student is on school property or attending a school sponsored or school-related activity on or off school
property."
REVISED 8/18/2021
Scholastic and Behavioral Dismissal
Suspension
If, in the judgment of the principal, a student is guilty of misconduct serious enough to warrant it, (s)he may be
suspended from class for up to three days. The student and parents will have a hearing, in person if possible, regarding
the reasons for the suspension.
The suspension will take one of two forms. It may be an "in-school suspension" during which time the student is not
allowed to attend classes with fellow students, but is required to complete all regular class work in another location. It
may be an "out-of-school suspension" during which time the student is required to remain away from school. School
work will be given, and parental supervision required. The form of the suspension will be at the discretion of the
principal. Full credit for work completed during an in-school suspension or out-of-school suspension will be given
only if it is received by the teacher(s) on the assigned due date.
Disciplinary Probation
A student's continuous misbehavior may result in the student being placed on disciplinary probation. The principal
will determine the length of time of the probation and will notify the student and his/her parents, in person, if
possible, of the reasons and terms of the probation. During the probation and at the end of the probation, the parents
will be informed of their child's progress. At the conclusion of the probation, the principal, in consultation with the
student's teachers, will determine if sufficient improvement in behavior has occurred. If insufficient progress is noted,
the student may be asked to leave Holy Family School.
Expulsion
A student's continued enrollment at the school will be subject to his/her meeting scholastic and behavioral standards
as set by the principal and standards committee. If any student fails to meet these standards, and the principal believes
that continued enrollment of the student in the school is not in the best interest of the student or the school, the
principal shall so advise the pastor.
If the pastor and the principal decide that the student should be expelled, the principal shall arrange a conference with
the parents or guardians of the student and explain to them the reasons for the expulsion. A written notification of the
expulsion, stating the circumstances and dates of the infractions shall be sent to the Archdiocesan Superintendent of
Schools.
The disruptive, threatening or illegal behavior of a parent/guardian may result in the expulsion of his/her child.
Home Study/Extended Leave

During an investigation by school, local, state, or federal officials, a student will be placed on Home Study/Extended
Leave (off campus). A student who is accused of serious wrongdoing may be placed in this home-study/extended
leave program (under the direction of the parent/guardian), pending adjudication or an investigation into the matter.
The length of time of the home-study/extended leave program may vary for each child/offense, depending upon the
amount of time remaining in the school year, the type of infraction, and other factors. These absences will be excused,
and the student will have an opportunity to complete assignments without reduced credit during the leave. The
parent/guardian will be responsible for the education of the student. A parent/guardian may not avail themselves of the
grievance process when a student is placed on Home Study/Extended Leave.
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Technology Policy
Internet Policy
Internet access will enable students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, museums, and other repositories of
information and to exchange personal communication with other internet users around the world. Families should be
aware that some material accessible via the internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or
potentially offensive. While the purpose of the school is to use Internet resources for constructive educational goals,
students may find ways to access other materials. The school has a firewall that prevents students from entering
inappropriate sites and is continuously updated. The school believes that the benefits to students from access to the
internet outweigh the disadvantages. Ultimately, however, parents/legal guardians of minors are responsible for
setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources.
Therefore, the school supports and respects each family’s right to decide whether or not to allow for access.
Expectations
Students are responsible for appropriate behavior on the school’s computer network just as they are in a classroom or
on a school playground. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior
and communications apply. It is expected that users will comply with Archdiocesan standards and the specific rules
set forth. The use of technology resources is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked if abused. The user is
personally responsible for his/her actions in accessing and utilizing the school’s technology resources. The students
are expected never to access, keep, or send anything that they would not want their parents or teachers to see.
Rules of Usage
Personal Safety and Personal Privacy
Students will not post personal contact information about themselves. Personal contact information includes their
address, telephone, school address, etc. This information may not be provided to an individual, organization, or
company, including web sites that solicit personal information.
Zoom Etiquette for Distance Learning
1. Do not invite people outside of our class to join. Your parents are welcome to attend but others will cause an
unnecessary distraction.
2. Try to log online to our class meeting from a quiet, distraction-free environment. We have little time together;
let’s try to maximize it.
3. Keep your Audio on mute until you want to speak. We must work together to limit background noise.
4. Enable Video so that we can see you if possible! I need as much social interaction as I can get from my home
office!
5. When you want to speak, use the “Raise Hand” feature. On the bottom of the Zoom window, click on
“Participants.” Be sure to unmute yourself to talk.
6. Use the Chat box to make a point or ask a question. Remember that Chat is public, and may be recorded, and
archived.
7. Have a plan for taking notes (paper and pencil, digital notepad, Word/Pages doc).
8. Appropriate classroom behavior is expected in our virtual classroom.
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Online Meeting Expectations
Social Networking
Accessing social networking websites (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Google HangOuts, Twitter, Kik, Tagged, etc.) are
off-limits on school property. The use of circumventors to get around school network security is prohibited.
Illegal Copying
Students should never download or install any commercial software, shareware, or freeware onto network drives or
disks. Nor should students copy other people’s work or intrude into other people’s files. The download/upload of any
material in violation of any U.S., State, Board, Archdiocesan, or school policy is prohibited. This includes, but is not
limited to copyrighted materials, threatening, violent, or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret.
Inappropriate Materials or Language
No profane, abusive or impolite language should be used to communicate, nor should materials be accessed which are
not in line with the rules of school behavior, including internet searches. Use of technology resources for gambling,
chain letter communication, unauthorized e-mail, chat or instant message, blogs, and discussion forums is also
prohibited. A good rule to follow is never view, send, or access materials which the user would not want his/her
teachers and parents to see. Should students encounter such material by accident, they should report it to their teacher
immediately.
Succinct Advice
These are guidelines to follow to prevent the loss of technology privileges at school.
• Do not use technology to harm other people or their work

• Do not damage the network or any technology resource in any way
REVISED 8/18/2021
• Do not interfere with the network or computer operation by installing any form of software or permitting the
spread of computer viruses
• Do not violate copyright laws
• Do not view, send or display offensive or pornographic messages or pictures
• Do not share your password or in any way obtain another person’s password
• Do not waste technology resources such as disk space or printing supplies
• Do not trespass in another’s folders, work, or files
• Do notify an adult immediately if by accident, you encounter materials, which violate the Rules of
Appropriate Use
Blogging/Computer Use/Cyberbullying
A weblog, or blog, is a type of website where entries are made (such as in a journal or diary) and displayed in a
reverse chronological order. Blogs offer commentary or news on a particular subject; some function as more personal
online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages and other media related to its
topic.
Blogging provides another venue for students to make threats and offers opportunities to post potentially defamatory
statements about school personnel and other students. Deliberate defamation of others is not consistent with Christian
values and students should be held accountable for intentional harm they cause others.
The school or parish owns the school or school's name and administrators have the right to restrict its use, in the same
way student/parent handbook rules can prohibit unauthorized use of names and logos on 'blogs'.
A Catholic school administrator can impose consequences for conduct occurring outside school. What students do
off-campus can detrimentally affect a school's reputation, so long as the parent/student handbook, which can and
should be a contract, states that the administration reserves the right to discipline students for off-campus conduct.
(Sr. Mary Angela Shaughnessy, SCN, JD; NCEA Notes/May 2006)
Social networking websites (for example, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Kik, etc.) should contain no pictures with the
Holy Family name or logo present in the background, on a uniform, or in any other way part of a picture.
Cyber-bullying is defined as use of the internet, cell phone or other electronic device to send or post text messages or
visual images intended to hurt or embarrass another person.
Cyber-bullying includes, but is not necessarily limited to the following:
• Cruel instant computer messaging or threatening e-mails.

• Mean, repeated cell phone text messages, or Facebook postings, Twitter postings or any other social media
outlets.
• Creating a website for the purpose of mocking certain students, or school personnel.
• Posting humiliating "photo shopped" or digitally modified images of certain students or school personnel.
• Forwarding "private" photos or videos to other students/people.
• Pretending to be someone else by using someone's online screen.
Cyber-bullying is a form of harassment and will be treated as a severe infraction. Consequences up to and including
expulsion may be taken against any person who engages in any type of harassment, including cyber-bullying.
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Cell Phones, Electronic Devices and Personal Items
According to archdiocesan policy "Students are strictly forbidden to use cell phones during school hours." All cell
phones must remain off and in a stored backpack, not in a purse or pocket, at all times during the day or in
After Care. A first offense of the cell phone policy results in the phone being turned over to the principal. The phone
will be released only when the parent picks it up from the office and pays a fine.
1st Offense - $50 fine
2nd Offense - $50 fine
3rd Offense - $60 fine
4th Offense - $75 fine
5th and subsequent offenses - $100
Digital cameras, smart watches, iPods, and other electronic devices may not be brought to school without specific
permission. If such items are brought, the same policy concerning cell phones will apply.
Students may not open a “hot spot” at school and connect a computer to it. Students will be charged a fine of
$100 for the first two instances of opening a hot spot. The third occurrence may be grounds for expulsion.
Students who are using or viewing a computer which is connected to a hot spot opened by another student will
be charged a $50 fine.
Girls' purses must remain closed during class time and during change of classes.
For the safety of all, skateboards and Heelies are not permitted on campus.
Holy Family School reserves the right to check backpacks, purses, and pockets when there is suspicion of
forbidden and/or controlled substances.
Athletics/Extracurricular Activities
Participation in any extra-curricular activity will be dependent on grades and conduct
Extracurricular Activities Policies and Procedures
Students who are participating in, or attending, extra-curricular activities must have faculty and/or parent chaperones.
It is important that students be picked up promptly when the activities are over. We cannot accept responsibility for
students not picked up promptly after an extra-curricular event. Students not picked up on time will be waiting in the
After-School Care room and parents will be charged for this service, including a registration fee.
More severe offenses that are especially disrespectful or a continual violation of lesser offenses will warrant more
severe consequences as deemed appropriate by the coach/sponsor, principal. Such behavior includes but is not limited
to: any tampering and/or destruction of any physical property on school premises or other campuses, making gestures,
using foul language, making racial/sexual slurs, spitting, pushing, kicking, hitting, tripping, throwing or kicking dirt
into eyes/face, and pulling pants down. These behaviors will result in one or more of the following consequences: no
participation in the activity(ies) for an extended period of time, removal from the team, suspension from school,
and/or another appropriate consequence.
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Health Policy
Suspected Child Abuse and/or Neglect
HFCS abides by the Child Abuse Prevention, Adoption and Family Services Act. This law mandates that all cases of
suspected abuse and/or neglect are reported to Child Protective Services. Staff members are trained on CPS
Procedures at the beginning of the school year. Procedures are reviewed throughout the year.
Clinic and Health Issues
As Christian parents, we are responsible for the health and welfare of our children. Please assist us in keeping a
healthy environment by not sending children to school with any symptoms of illness.
Health Screenings
Vision, hearing and spinal screenings are conducted each year on students per the State of Texas Health Department
requirements. Students who do not pass the screenings are referred to their family doctor or specialist.
Illness/Contagious Disease
Students should not come to school if they have had fever within 24 hours. They cannot attend school even if
you have given fever reduction medication within 24 hours. Parents will be notified if their child(ren) has fever.
They must be picked up as soon as possible to reduce the spread of illness.
Parents will be notified when their child is too sick to attend class. Please pick up your child as soon as possible so
they can rest and recover. It is paramount that you give us current telephone numbers as well as emergency contact
names and telephone numbers. If the parents cannot be reached, then the emergency contacts will be called to pick up
your child. Any child with a temperature of 100 or above or vomiting is sent home. A student should be fever free
without the aid of medication for 24 hours before returning to school following an illness. Students are to be kept
home when they have a cold, sore throat, temperature, eye infection, skin eruptions, swollen glands, nausea, vomiting,
or diarrhea. Any child exhibiting such symptoms is sent home. Students should not have vomited within 24 hours to
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return to school. Parents are required to notify the office if a student is ill. Please notify the school if your child has a
communicable disease. When a child returns to school after having a communicable disease, he/she must present
himself/herself to the office with a written note from a doctor saying he/she can be readmitted to class. Please see the
guidelines below for keeping students home from school due to illness:
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Immunizations
Every child entering HFCS must have been administered the basic series of immunizations against:
• Whooping cough
• Diphtheria
• Typhoid
• Polio
• Measles
• Mumps
• And all other diseases are required by state law and Archdiocesan policy
The state requires that all students entering public or non-public schools have at least 5 doses of DPT, DT and or TD
vaccine, provided that at least one dose of DPT/OPV has been received on or after their fourth birthday. For the health
and safety of the entire student body, the required documentation of immunizations, including the doctor’s signature
must be on file for a student’s registration to be complete. All new students entering the Archdiocese of Galveston-
Houston school district are required to present written evidence of TB testing and results. Students with incomplete
immunization records are not admitted to class until their record is current. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep
their child’s immunization record current.
Lice
Any child sent home with lice may not return until all signs of lice and nits are gone. The Archdiocese of Galveston-
Houston follows the nit-free policy of many local, county health departments. The health coordinator must check the
student before he/she is allowed to return to class. A student sent home with lice may not return to school until all
signs of lice are gone, approximately 48 hours.
CHRONIC ILLNESSES
Treatments for diabetes, asthma, seizures, life threatening allergies, or other chronic medical conditions require an
Individualized Healthcare Plan signed by the physician indicating details on how to perform the treatment and all the
medication information indicated above for prescribed medications. If students are to carry and/or self-administer
medications or treatments, physician’s orders are required on the Individualized Healthcare Plan. Pursuant to the
TCCB ED Health Manual, the following requirements for the specified chronic illnesses are outlined below:
1. Diabetes
After a student is diagnosed with diabetes, and prior to the student returning to school, there must be a school
meeting to review and discuss the student’s Individualized Healthcare Plan. The plan must include how to
respond to a diabetic crisis during the school day.
Before a student returns to school, the parent will:
1. Notify the appropriate school personnel of the student’s diabetes diagnosis.

2. Educate and review diabetes treatment with the student.
3. Provide the school with all completed forms prior to the student starting the first day of school
including:
a) Individualized Healthcare Plan for Diabetes
b) Self-carry and Self-administer Diabetes Medication Agreement if authorized
by physician in student’s Individual Healthcare Plan
4. Provide, to the school, all prescribed medication with proper pharmacy label prior
to student’s first day of school. Replace the medication after use or upon expiring.
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Before a student returns to school, the student will:
1. Need to know his/her diabetes signs, symptoms, care they need, restriction(s), and treatment.
2. If ordered by the physician, may carry his/her own diabetes medication/supplies. It must be
labeled appropriately, including the expiration date. It must be stated in the Self-Carry and Self-
Administer Diabetes Medication Agreement where the student will carry the diabetes
medication/supplies and the school location for back up.
3. If authorized by physician in the student’s Individualized Healthcare Plan, the parent and student
will sign the Self-Carry and Self-Administer Diabetes Medication Agreement.
4. Notify an adult immediately if he/she is having difficulty with his/her diabetes.
Before the student returns to school, the school will:
1. Setup a meeting with the parent and appropriate school personnel to review the
student’s Individualized Healthcare Plan.
2. Notify school personnel of the following:
a) Student(s) who have diabetes, any signs and symptoms, instruction of care, and proper
treatment.
b) The location of medication, if carried by the student, and the location of the backup
medication within the school.
Diabetes Health and Safety Code
Chapter 168 of the Health and Safety Code pertains only to public schools and does not apply to private schools.
Catholic Schools are considered to be in the private sector and if someone who is not licensed performs diabetic
services (not a licensed nurse), they would be subject to violations of various laws. Catholic Schools are not covered
by Civil Immunity under the law as public schools/employees are, except those schools with a licensed nurse (See
TCCB ED Health Manual). https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/79R/billtext/html/HB00984F.HTM
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.168.htm
1. Seizures
After a student is diagnosed with seizures and before the student returns to school, there must be a school
meeting to review and discuss the student’s Individualized Healthcare Plan including responding to a seizure
during the school day.
Before a student returns to school, the parent will:
1. Notify the appropriate school personnel of the student’s seizures, warning signs
and trigger(s).
2. Educate and review the seizure warning signs, trigger(s), restrictions, and treatment with the
student.
3. Provide a written Individualized Healthcare Plan form, signed by the physician, prior to returning
to school, that includes the student’s seizure severity, signs and symptoms, instruction for care,
medication administration and when to call EMS.
4. Sign the school liability and consent to treat form.
5. Provide the school with all prescribed medication with proper pharmacy label prior to the
student’s first day of school. Replace the medication after use or upon expiring. Please note
seizure emergency medications (example: Diastat, Diazepam, etc.) can only be administered by a
licensed nurse. If a licensed nurse is not on staff, then 911 should be contacted.
REVISED 8/18/2021
1. Need to know his/her seizure warning signs, trigger(s), how to avoid the seizure trigger(s), the
reaction they have, care they need, restriction, and treatment.
2. The student is to notify an adult immediately if he/she is having any difficulty.
1. Schedule a meeting with the parent and appropriate school personnel to review
the student’s Individualized Healthcare Plan.
2. Take all steps necessary to support the student to avoid seizure trigger(s).
a) Student(s) who have seizures, any signs and symptoms of a reaction, instruction of care, and
proper treatment, and
b) Personnel need to know the specific seizure trigger(s), the warning signs, where medication is
located, and emergency treatment. If a licensed nurse is not on staff and a student’s symptoms
worsen, 911 may be contacted.
2. Asthma
After a student is diagnosed with asthma and before the student returns to school, there must be a school
meeting to review and discuss the student’s individualized healthcare plan including responding to an
asthmatic episode, during the school day.
Before a student returns to school, the parent/ guardian will:
1. Notify the appropriate school personnel of student asthma and avoidance of asthma trigger(s).
2. Educate and review asthma treatment and trigger(s) with student.
3. Provide a written Individualized Healthcare Plan form, signed by the physician,
prior to returning to school that includes the student’s asthma severity, signs and
symptoms, instruction for care, medication administration, self-carry/self- administration consent
(if applicable), and when to call EMS.
4. Complete a Self-Carry and Self-Administer Medication Agreement if authorized
by physician in student’s Individualized Healthcare Plan.
6. Provide the school with all prescribed medication with proper pharmacy label prior to starting
school. Replace the medication after use or upon expiring.
1. Need to know his/her asthma trigger(s), how to avoid asthma trigger(s), the reaction they have,
care they need, restriction(s), and treatment(s).
2. If ordered by the physician, the student may carry his/her own emergency asthma inhaler that is
labeled appropriately and includes the expiration date. Additionally, the Self-Care Agreement
should detail where the student will carry the emergency asthma inhaler and note the back-up
medication is located within the school.
3. If authorized by physician in the student’s Individualized Healthcare Plan, the parent and student
will sign the Self-Carry and Self-Administer Agreement.
4. The student will notify an adult immediately if he/she has come in contact with an asthma
trigger(s) or is having any difficulty.
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2. Take all steps necessary to support a student with asthma to avoid the trigger(s).
a) Student(s) who have serious asthma reactions, signs and symptoms of a reaction, instruction of
care, and proper treatment, and
b) Personnel need to know the specific asthma trigger(s), warning signs, where emergency
medication is located, and emergency treatment. If a student’s symptoms worsen 911 may be
contacted.
3. Nebulizers
The use of nebulizer treatments in schools, for the treatment of asthma should be done with extreme
caution. Non-medical personnel should not be responsible for the administration of the nebulizer
treatment without careful training. The parent is ultimately responsible for the care of their asthmatic
child.
4. Life-Threatening Allergies
After a student is diagnosed with life-threatening allergies and before the student returns to school there
must be a school meeting to review and discuss the student’s individualized healthcare plan including
responding to allergic reactions, during the school day.
Before a student returns to school, the parent/ guardian will:
1. Notify the appropriate school personnel of student allergies and detail the avoidance of
allergen(s).
2. Educate and review allergies, allergen(s), warning signs, restrictions, and treatment with student.
3. Provide a written Individualized Healthcare Plan form, signed by the physician, prior to returning
to school. The Individualized Healthcare Plans should include the student’s allergy(ies), signs and
symptoms, instruction for care, medication administration, self-carry/self-administration consent
(if applicable), and when to call EMS.
4. Complete a Self-Carry and Self-Administer Medication Agreement if authorized
by physician in student’s Individualized Healthcare Plan
6. Provide the school with all prescribed medication with proper pharmacy label prior to starting
school. Replace the medication after use or upon expiring.
1. Need to know his/her allergy trigger(s), how to avoid allergen trigger(s), the reaction they have,
care they need, restriction(s), and treatment(s).
2. If ordered by the physician, may carry his/her own emergency Epinephrine auto- injector device.
It must be labeled appropriately, including the expiration date. It must be stated in the Self-Carry
and Self-Administer Agreement where the student will carry the emergency Epinephrine auto-
injector and the school location for back up.
3. If authorized by physician in the student’s Individualized Healthcare Plan the
parent and student will sign the Self-Carry and Self-Administer Agreement.
4. The student will notify an adult immediately if he/she has come in contact with an allergen.
REVISED 8/18/2021
2. Take all steps necessary to support a student with asthma to avoid the trigger(s).
a) Student(s) who have life-threatening allergies and reactions, signs and symptoms of a reaction,
instruction of care, and proper treatment, and
b) Personnel need to know the specific life-threatening allergy, warning signs, where emergency
medication is located, and emergency treatment. Any time an Epinephrine auto-injector is used
911 is called and Advanced Life Support will be requested.
5. Epinephrine Auto-Injectors
If the student has any noted allergies requiring the use of an epinephrine auto- injector, the parent will:
1. Provide written prescription from the physician for the student.

2. Furnish the school with two epinephrine auto-injectors for the student in case of an emergency.
3. Any expired epinephrine auto-injector pens are to be immediately replaced by the parent.
4. The school must have at least one staff member who is authorized and trained to administer an
epinephrine auto-injector during all hours the campus is open.
5. Each child is recommended to wear a MedicAlert® bracelet that states his or her allergy/allergies.
6. Children who are no longer allergic or no longer require an epinephrine auto- injector must
present a letter of explanation within 10 school days from their allergist/physician (MD or DO),
and
7. Epinephrine auto-injectors for the allergic child must be brought on field trips.
EMERGENCY CARE AND FIRST AID
Every school shall have a written plan for emergencies. Provisions shall be made to implement the procedures, to fully
inform parents, and to inform and prepare all staff members.
In cases of accident or sudden sickness, the Principal or designee is responsible for coordinating notification of
parents, sending students home, and guiding parents to sources of treatment, when necessary or requested.
School staff should render first aid when it is safe and practical to do so but should only provide a level of care for
which they have received competent training. In case of emergency, school staff should call 911, comply with
instructions given by emergency personnel and should take reasonable steps to safely prevent the situation from
becoming worse when possible.
1. Emergency Information
The Principal or designee shall have a readily accessible file containing emergency care information for each student.
2. 911 Calls on Campus for Students

a. If a student is in need, call 911.
b. Contact parent or guardian to inform them of the emergency.
c. If parent is not physically present and does not want transport via ambulance, allow
EMS to speak with parent and follow their protocols.
Document the medical event on the appropriate Accident and Incident Form and submit to the Catholic Schools Office
Medication Policy
REVISED 8/18/2021
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
Every student enrolled in a Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston shall be immunized against
vaccine preventable diseases caused by infectious agents in accordance with the immunization schedule adopted by
the Texas Department of State Health, commonly known as the Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for Texas
School Entrance/Attendance (See Appendix # for the chart of the current immunization requirements or visit
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunize/school/school-requirements.aspx ). Each year, every student must present
evidence of the required immunizations from a physician or health care provider authorized to administer
immunizations to the school before the first day of school. The immunizations must be current. A student who fails to
present the required evidence shall not be accepted for enrollment.
1. Exceptions
There are no exceptions to the foregoing requirement unless the student presents a written statement signed by
the student’s physician (M.D. or D.O.) who is authorized to practice in the State of Texas. Please see the
School Health Manual published by TCCB ED for details regarding immunization exemptions.
2. Provisional Enrollment
All immunizations should be completed by the first date of attendance. The law requires that students be fully
vaccinated against the specified diseases. A student may be enrolled provisionally if the student has an
immunization record that indicates the student has received at least one dose of each specified age-appropriate
vaccine required by this rule. To remain enrolled, the student must complete the required subsequent doses in
each vaccine series on schedule and as rapidly as is medically feasible and provide acceptable evidence of
vaccination to the school.
A health coordinator or school administrator shall review the immunization status of a provisionally enrolled
student every 30 days to ensure continued compliance in completing the required doses of vaccination. If, at
the end of the 30-day period, a student has not received a subsequent dose of vaccine, the student is not in
compliance and the school shall exclude the student from school attendance until the required dose is
administered. A Principal is not authorized to grant any exemptions for any reason without consultation with
the Catholic Schools Office.
3. No Conscientious Objections
Archdiocesan schools do not accept students even if the school has received a parental choice or religious
exemption from the immunizations required by Texas state law.
SPECIAL CONCERNS AND REGULATIONS
Drugs
Faculty, staff, school volunteers, or providers that are contracted or used by the school to perform services with
students shall refer all suspected or known cases of alcohol/drug distribution, use or abuse involving a student to the
Principal. The school shall immediately report any known cases to the Catholic Schools Office so that a response can
be made that considers the interests of the student and compliance with applicable law.
Catholic Schools of the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese adhere to Texas Education Code 21.914 on the administering
of medications by school employees.
Medications
If possible, all medication should be given outside of school hours. "Three times a day" medications should be given
before school, after school, and at bedtime by parents. Only medication which is necessary for the child to remain in
school will be given during school hours. Stock medications are not kept in the clinic. The parents are responsible for
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bringing all medications for their child to the clinic and for picking up unused medicines or they will be destroyed. If
you have any health-related or medication questions, please contact the health coordinator, Lauren Marmaduke,
[email protected].
The parent of any student on a continuing regimen for a non-episodic condition shall inform the designated school
official and name the supervising physician. If necessary, with parental consent and a signed Authorization for
Release of Confidential Information Form, the official or school nurse may communicate with the physician regarding
possible effects on the student’s behavior at school and specialemergency procedures.
School personnel shall only administer medication that is prescribed for use by the student and contained in its
original packaging. All medication, prescribed and non- prescribed, will require a Medication Permission form signed
by the parents and the student’s physician. All student medication must be given to designated school office personnel
by the parent. Students may not carry or deliver medication to school personnel. Medication should be clearly labeled
with the student’s name and kept in a locked safe place.
The school must adhere to the instructions printed on the prescription label container and the Medication Permission
form. All school administered medication should be documented on a Medication Administration log kept by the
designated schoolpersonnel or the school nurse. Lauren Marmaduke manages all clinic issues, medications and
illnesses.
Prescription Medications
Law prohibits the school faculty from administering any kind of medication to the students without authorization. The
student will need a Request for Medication Administration form signed by the physician and parent. Please obtain this
form from the school office. The medication is to be brought to the school clinic in the original container. Prescription
medication must be properly identified with the prescription label from a pharmacy. The school will not be held
responsible for any medication that is taken by the child. The use of nebulizer treatments in schools for the treatment
of asthma should be done with extreme caution. Non-medical personnel should not be responsible for the
administration of the nebulizer treatment. The parent is ultimately responsible for the care of their asthmatic child.
Non-Prescription Medications
All fever reducers or over-the-counter pain relievers, cough drops, ointment, vitamins, and other over the counter
medications are considered medications and may not be given to your child unless a permission slip that has been
signed by your physician and a note giving parental consent is on file. A parent's signature alone is not sufficient for
the school to administer over-the-counter medications. Non-prescription medications must be labeled with the child's
name.
The school WILL destroy or dispose of any medication that:

• a parent/guardian does not timely retrieve after the school has requested the parent/guardian to retrieve;
• is in a vial (for example, insulin) once started (opened) and not used in 30 days; or
• has an expiration date that has passed.
After School Care
Holy Family Catholic School After School Program
Holy Family School After School Program follows the guidelines of the Archdiocesan School Office. The After
School Program serves students until 5:30 P.M. Monday-Friday. Services are provided for students attending Holy
Family in grades pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The After School Program is open only when school is in full
day session. Students are required to enroll in our After Care program.. There is no registration fee for enrollment, and
it is part of the enrollment process. If you know your child will be participating in After Care on a regular basis, your
best investment is to pay the $100 monthly After Care fee. If you feel your child will only use After Care
infrequently, please be prepared to pay the $20 per month fee. The Administration Office must be notified in writing
REVISED 8/18/2021
when a change is made to monthly pay or drop-in status, prior to the 15th of each month. Parents will be billed the first
week of each month.
Students are picked up at the cafeteria in the afternoons. Parents must ring the doorbell located at the front door of the
school to pick up their child(ren).
Extended Day hours are as follows: - Monday through Friday 3:15 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.
Any child being picked up after 5:30 P.M. will have a $5.00 late fee charge, plus a $1.00 per minute fee assessed.
(This is non-negotiable.) Three occurrences of being five or more minutes late will be grounds for termination of the
privilege to use the After Care service.
Expectations
As members of a Christian and caring community, the children will be expected to respect the staff, each other, and
the environment. They must never leave the building or grounds without explicit permission from the After School
Program Staff. Such permission will only be granted by order of the parent or guardian. If a child is to go to the After-
School Program, he/she is to report to the cafeteria by 3:15 PM. Students visiting in the halls or walking about the
property will not be tolerated. Children may not leave the campus and return to check in to the After-School Program,
unless a reason and note are sent by the parent or guardian. Children will not be allowed to return to classrooms, for
any reason, after 3:15 P.M. The After Care staff has the authority to exact consequences in accordance with the
Discipline Management Plan. Many disciplinary consequences enacted in before/after will be served during the
regular school day following the infraction.
Emergencies & Safety
With the children's safety and well-being in mind, it is extremely important that each parent fill out a registration form
and adhere to the instructions given. One of the most important regulations concerns the child's leaving of the
premises of the After School Program.
• Parents or guardians should not take children from the school grounds without notifying the After School
staff and signing the child out.
• Parents or guardians should not send people whose names are not on the registration form to ask for the
release of children. For the child's safety, the release will not be granted. In certain situations, a note may
be sent requesting that a child be released to persons not already listed on the registration form. Phone
calls asking for this release will not be accepted. In all situations a valid ID must be presented, such as a
driver's license.
• If there are any court orders in place, concerning your child, you must send a copy for the After School
Program to keep on file.
Illness & Accident
Cases which seem to be minor will be treated on the premises. Medication will not be administered unless a written
statement from the physician and parent is on file in the After School office. Forms for Physician's Request for
Administration of Medication by School Personnel are available at the school office.
In cases which seem to be serious, the After School Program Director, or Teacher on Duty, will make every effort to
carry out the instructions as given on the registration form. Parents who do not wish to have their child treated in any
way should indicate such on the registration form and should give directions to be followed in the space "Special
Instructions". If it is determined that your child needs to be picked up, you will be contacted. Please make every effort
to pick your child up in a timely manner, as we do not have accommodations for the care of sick children.
If the parent/guardian does not supply adequate emergency instructions, or if the instructions given cannot be
followed at the time of the emergency, the After School Program Staff will act according to their best judgment for
the welfare of the child.
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Homework
Each day a homework period is scheduled. This is a quiet work time. It is the responsibility of the child to
acknowledge the time given and make proper use of his/her time. The After School Program employees assist the
children during homework time. They are not required to re-teach the material to the children. There may be times
when all of your child's homework is not completed during the After-School Program. Please realize that there is only
a certain amount of time allotted for homework. Once all students are finished with homework; students can play in
center activities or play in the gym. All students report to the cafeteria by 4:30P.M. where they are picked up by
parents.
Toys from Home
It is requested that children not bring toys from home. Often these items are very personal and important, so the child
feels the items must be defended and protected. This is not consistent with the sharing atmosphere that we encourage.
If a toy is brought to the After School Program, it will be confiscated until the child is picked up to go home. If a
personal toy goes undetected by the After School Program staff and is missing or broken, the program and staff will
not be held liable.
Communication
It is very important that you label all notes " After School Program". They will then be forwarded to the program
director. If it is necessary to call during the school day, please call 409-765-6607 and leave your message for the
program director.
Payment
After Care payments must be paid to the accounting office. Payments are due on the 1st of each month and are
considered late after the 10th of the month. A late fee of $25.00 will be assessed after the 10th.
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Immunization Requirements
A health form, complete with immunization record, showing dates and kinds of immunization received must be on file for
each child. All immunizations must be completed and validated by the doctor or health clinic by the time of school's
opening. The following pages list the Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule.
Every student enrolled in a Catholic school in the state of Texas shall be immunized against vaccine preventable
diseases caused by infectious agents in accordance with the immunization schedule adopted by the Texas Department
of State Health Services. A student who fails to present the required evidence shall not be accepted for enrollment. The
only exception to the foregoing requirement is a medical exemption signed by a licensed physician (M.D. or D. O.)
authorized to practice in the State of Texas.
Immunization Checklist
Diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis containing vaccine, ages 3 and 4 years: 4 doses ______

Diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis containing vaccine, Kindergarten entry: 5 doses, one
on or after 4th birthday ______
Students 7 years and older are required to have 3 doses of a tetanus/diphtheria-
containing vaccine ______
Entry, grade 7 - is required to have one booster of tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis
containing vaccine, if at least 5 years have passed since the last dose of a
tetanus-containing vaccine or when the 5-year interval has lapsed. ______
Entry, grades 8-12, one dose Tdap booster when 10 years have passed since the last
dose, date due: ______
Hepatitis A, 2 doses required for children in PK and Kindergarten (1st dose after age 1) _______
Hepatitis B, 3 doses required for all students, PK3, 4, and grades K-12 _______
HibCV, minimum 1 dose required for children younger than 5 years, after age 1 _______
Meningococcal, 1 dose for students for entry into 7th grade _______
MMR required for ages 3 and 4 years: 1st dose after age 1 _______
MMR - 2 doses for Kindergarten, (1st dose after age 1) _______
MMR/M - grades 1-12, (2 doses measles containing vaccine and 1 dose of rubella
and mumps) ______
PCV7, minimum 1 dose required for children 59 months and younger, after age 1 ______
Polio, ages 3 and 4: 3 doses required ______
Polio, Kindergarten entry, 4 doses required, one dose on or after 4th birthday or if
the 3rd dose was given after the 4th birthday. (Required for grades 1-12) ______
Varicella vaccine, 1 dose required for children age 3 and 4 and grades 1-6, 8-12
(2 doses if given after age 13) ______
Varicella, 2 doses required for grades Kindergarten and 7th ______
Note: The following is only required for grades K-3 in certain counties. Please check with DSHS.
Hepatitis A, two doses of Hepatitis A are required for children upon entry in K through 3rd grade. The 1st dose is
administered on or after their 1st birthday. Requirements vary by county. Check with DSHS for up to date
requirements, www.ImmunizeTexas.com
REVISED 8/18/2021
PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM
2022-2023
(You may print this form and return ONLY this form to the campus; entire handbook is not required)
The school and/or the principal retain the right to amend the school handbook at any time. Parents will be
given prompt notification via the website if major changes are made, and the new version will be posted.
Families are encouraged to be familiar with it and to learn school policies. Questions should be directed to the
principal.
Dear Parents:
Please view our school handbook online at www.hfcsgalv.org and click on Parents and select the handbook tab.
Please sign, date, and return this form to your child’s teacher by Friday, August 19th. Your signature and that of
your child/children indicate that you have read the school handbook. It also means that you have discussed with
your child(ren) the appropriate items from the handbook, and that you and your child(ren) agree to abide by the
school procedures, regulations and policies discussed in this handbook. Unawareness of the policies is not an
excuse for not following them. Thank you for your cooperation.
All enrolled families have online access to the Parent/Student Handbook for the school year. We have read and
discussed the Holy Family Catholic School Handbook. We agree to follow the school procedures, regulations,
and policies covered in this handbook. Parent, please initial each line below:
______I have read the Parent/Student Handbook.

______ I will follow the policies and procedures in the Parent/Student Handbook.
______ I will seek clarification from the principal for any policies and procedures if unclear.
_____________________________________
Family Name
_____________________________________ __________________
Parent or Guardian Signature Date
_____________________________________ __________________
Student Signature Date
_____________________________________ __________________
_____________________________________ __________________
_____________________________________ __________________
REVISED 8/18/2021
Holy Family Catholic School
ACCEPTABLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY POLICY
The Ten Commandments of Student Computer Use
(You may print this form and return ONLY this form to the campus)
Before a student will be allowed to use a school-issued device, parents and students must agree and sign below.
This form must be returned prior to students using school devices.
The classroom teacher will designate appropriate times and uses for the utilization of all electronic devices. We
are signing this acknowledgement to state that we understand the Technology Acceptable Use Policy (found in
handbook) and the Ten Commandments of Computer Use. We agree to the terms of use of these devices
(including the understanding of a $50 fine for unacceptable usage). We will not hold the school responsible for
lost, stolen, or damaged devices. As a parent/guardian, I am allowing my student to use school devices at school
for the current school year.
As a Holy Family Catholic School Student, I will …

1. Respect the computer equipment and my teachers’ directions for use or non-use.
2. Avoid eating and drinking at the computer stations.
3. Not change settings on the computer.
4. Not make changes to or take from the school website.
5. Respect files or passwords and not share them.
6. Respect other people’s files and only work with my own.
7. Not create any websites against the school.
8. Avoid email, instant message, chat, and other forms of communication on the school computers.
9. Only play games on the computer with a teacher’s permission.
10. Turn off the screen and get a teacher if something “bad” appears on my computer.
As a student, I agree to abide by these rules when using the computers at the school.
Student Name: _____________________________________________________ Grade: _______
Student Signature: __________________________________________________ Date: ________
Parent Signature: ___________________________________________________ Date: ________
Classroom teachers will keep this agreement filed in their classrooms.
REVISED 8/18/2021

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Holy Family Catholic School

Student and Parent Handbook

2601 Ursuline Street

Jeanna Porter, M. Ed.

Dear Parents and Students,

The Catholic Schools of the

(1) Imparting the message of Jesus, the Christ

UNIVERSAL RIGHT TO AN EDUCATION

Declaration on Christian Education

Declaration on Christian Education

SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL

Foster a Catholic Identity

Invest in Community Building

Provide Quality Education

Encourage Moral Formation

Support Parish Life

Seek Equitable Distribution

CODE OF CANON LAW – 1983

Title III - Catholic Education

Catholic Schools of Texas Mission Statement

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Mission Statement

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Philosophy

Holy Family Catholic School Education Philosophy

Holy Family Catholic School Mission Statement

Holy Family Catholic School Vision Statement

Holy Family Catholic School Goals 2022-2023

Holy Family Catholic School Objectives 2022-2023

• Each student will demonstrate age-appropriate understanding of Catholic Church’s teachings.

The purpose of accreditation is to:

Holy Family Catholic School Phone Numbers

Holy Family Catholic School Office (7:30-4:00) 409-765-6607

Organization of The Texas Catholic School System

Archbishop, Ordinary of the Archdiocese

Catholic Schools Office (CSO)

Catholic Schools Office Liaison

Archdiocesan School Council

The Pastor is an ex-officio member of the School Advisory Board.

The Principal has the following major responsibilities:

HFCS School Advisory Council

Admissions and Attendance Policies and Procedures

Nondiscriminatory Policy Regarding Student Admissions

- PK3 or PK4 classroom must be 3 or 4 years old, respectively, on or before September 1;

1. Students currently enrolled in HFCS and their siblings

• They have been attending a Catholic school in another out-of-town location, or

Prekindergarten (3-year-old room)

Prekindergarten (4-year-old room)/Kindergarten/First Grade

Legal Surname Used for Official Admission Records

Legal Sex Identification for Official Admission Records

• Understand and support the religious nature of the school.

• Meet your financial obligations in a timely manner.

Separated and Divorced Parents

Fees must be paid in full before the transfer paperwork is completed.

Release of Final Report Card/School Records

Tuition and Fundraising

Student Service Hour Requirement

A few acceptable examples of service:

Family Service Hour Requirement

Liturgy & Worship

• A student not physically present at school is marked absent.

Homework - 0 Homework - 10%